British drivers on holiday in France warned of new law which could land you £115 fine

British motorists travelling to Europe and France this summer could be slapped with a costly £115 bill for breaking a motoring law around vehicle emissions. 

France’s bid to tackle climate change has seen the introduction of Crit'Air stickers and low emissions zones across the country with British holiday makers likely unaware of the rules. 

Motorists with combustion petrol and diesel vehicles may have to display stickers to travel in certain locations or risk being caught out. 

Darren Miller, a spokesperson from BigWantsYourCar said: “The introduction of new laws in 2024, particularly the ban on diesel vehicles entering the Parisian zone, represents a significant step towards combating air pollution and promoting cleaner transportation.

“With fines increasing to €135 (£115) for non-compliant trucks, these regulations underscore the urgency of transitioning to more environmentally friendly vehicles.”

Crit’Air sticker 

The stickers are used to identify how polluting a particular vehicle is with six Crit'Air categories available. Crit'Air 0/E is for zero-emission vehicles with the higher numbers corresponding to higher polluting vehicles. 

The dark grey Crit'Air 5 sticker is the highest and is for vehicles only copying to euro 2 emissions rules. The stickers have to be displayed to travel in some restricted traffic zones with stickers costing just under £4 (€4.61) from the UK.

Darren commented: “The Crit'Air system in France plays an important role in reducing harmful vehicle emissions, especially in densely populated areas. 

“Displaying the appropriate Crit'Air sticker on your vehicle not only ensures compliance with clean air laws but also helps mitigate air pollution, contributing to public health and environmental sustainability."

Clean Air Zones 

According to motoring experts at the RAC, permanent low emissions zones are in place across a range of France’s top locations such as Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Reims, Rouen, Strasbourg and Toulouse. 

Driving and parking is limited depending on the type of Crit'Air stickers motorists have displayed on their vehicles. 

France also has a range of temporary emergency low emissions zones in areas where there are considered to be high levels of air pollution. 

Darren added: "Clean air zones are designed to restrict vehicle access based on their emissions levels, aiming to improve air quality and public health. Cars registered before January 1997 and certain motorcycles face restrictions and cannot be driven within these zones."

Paris Low Emission Zone

The capital has the strictest policy across France with certain vehicles completely banned.

From 2023, only vehicles displaying Crit’Air vignettes E, 1 or 2 were allowed to enter the capital between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday. 

The rules were tightened again in 2024 with diesel vehicles also banned from entering the streets.  

Meanwhile, only vehicles displaying Crit'Air E or 1 vignettes are now permitted as part of a major crackdown.  

Darren added: “Paris and its surrounding areas have implemented stringent regulations to combat air pollution, particularly with the recent introduction of more restrictive rules.”