The Crit’Air sticker, or “Certificat qualité de l’air,” is a French environmental badge used to classify vehicles based on their pollutant emissions. It was introduced as part of France’s efforts to improve air quality and reduce pollution in urban areas. The sticker allows authorities to regulate vehicle access to certain areas, particularly during periods of high pollution, and to control the flow of traffic in low-emission zones (Zones à Faibles Émissions, ZFE).
Which Crit’Air sticker do I need?
The type of Crit’Air sticker you need depends on various factors related to your vehicle, including its type (car, motorcycle, truck, etc.), age, fuel type (diesel, petrol, hybrid, electric), and its Euro emissions standard. There are six different categories of Crit’Air stickers, ranging from the cleanest to the most polluting vehicles. Additionally, an exemption exists for electric vehicles, which are classified as “Crit’Air 0.”
- Crit’Air 0 (Green sticker)
This is for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. These vehicles are considered to produce no direct emissions and are the cleanest on the road. If you drive an electric car or motorcycle, this is the sticker you’ll need. - Crit’Air 1 (Purple sticker)
Vehicles with this sticker include hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles that have very low emissions, as well as petrol cars, motorcycles, and vans that meet Euro 5 or Euro 6 emission standards. These are typically vehicles registered after January 1, 2011. - Crit’Air 2 (Yellow sticker)
Petrol vehicles registered between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010, that meet Euro 4 standards, and diesel vehicles that meet Euro 5 or Euro 6 standards are classified under Crit’Air 2. Hybrid vehicles registered before 2011 may also fall under this category. - Crit’Air 3 (Orange sticker)
Diesel vehicles registered between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005, which meet Euro 4 standards, and petrol vehicles registered between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2005 (Euro 2 or Euro 3), require the Crit’Air 3 sticker. Motorcycles registered before June 30, 2004, may also fall under this category. - Crit’Air 4 (Bordeaux sticker)
Older diesel vehicles that meet Euro 3 standards, usually registered between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005, fall into this group. These vehicles are typically no longer allowed in low-emission zones during high pollution events. - Crit’Air 5 (Grey sticker)
Diesel vehicles registered between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2000, that meet Euro 2 standards are given the Crit’Air 5 sticker. These vehicles are considered highly polluting and are subject to the most restrictions, particularly in urban low-emission zones. - No sticker
Vehicles registered before 1997 (for cars and vans) or before June 1, 2000 (for motorcycles) do not qualify for any Crit’Air sticker. These vehicles are typically banned from driving in low-emission zones during pollution spikes or permanently in cities like Paris.
How to determine your vehicle’s Crit’Air category:
You can easily determine which Crit’Air sticker you need by checking the registration date of your vehicle, its fuel type, and its Euro emission standard. This information is usually available on your vehicle’s registration certificate (Carte Grise in France).
For vehicles purchased outside of France, it is essential to check your country’s corresponding emission standards, as Euro emission levels are the determining factor. You can also use the French government’s official Crit’Air website to check your vehicle’s eligibility by entering its details.
Where are Crit’Air stickers required?
Crit’Air stickers are mandatory in several French cities and regions, including Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, and Lille, where low-emission zones (ZFE) have been established. These zones restrict access to more polluting vehicles, especially during peak pollution periods.
How to apply for a Crit’Air sticker:
The Crit’Air sticker can be purchased online for a small fee (around €3.70 for French residents, and slightly more for non-residents due to shipping costs). It is important to order it before traveling to a restricted area as fines may apply if you drive without one. The application process is simple, and you will need to provide your vehicle’s registration details to receive the correct classification.