Do British drivers still need Crit'Air stickers in France?

British motorists still need a Crit’Air sticker when driving in France’s low-emission zones. Here’s what UK drivers need to know about the rules, where the sticker is required and how to apply.

Do you need a crit'air sticker for your car in France - find out the latest here  (Credit: Jean-Michel du 01)

What are the current Crit’Air rules in France?

Crit’Air stickers are still part of France's low-emission zone system.

The French government says the sticker is mandatory for vehicles circulating in a ZFE-m, although the restrictions on individual vehicles vary from one zone to another.

There are currently 25 ZFE-m zones in France, with further zones in development.

The rules can also change according to the location, vehicle type, emissions category and time of day, so it is important to check the latest restrictions for the area you plan to visit.

The key point for British motorists is simple – don't assume you can drive into a French city without a Crit’Air sticker.

Can UK drivers forget about getting a Crit’Air sticker now?

No.

The Crit’Air system remains in force and the French government says the sticker is mandatory for vehicles travelling in a low-emission mobility zone.

If your journey takes you into a ZFE-m, you should have the appropriate Crit’Air sticker displayed on your vehicle.

Because restrictions vary between zones, check the rules for your destination before travelling.

Where do UK drivers need a Crit’Air sticker?

Crit’Air stickers are required in French low-emission zones (ZFE-m).

The restrictions vary from one zone to another, so there isn't a single nationwide list of cities where exactly the same rules apply.

The French government currently lists 25 ZFE-m zones, covering areas including Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg.

Before travelling, check whether your route passes through a ZFE-m and whether your vehicle is permitted to enter.

What happens if you drive without a Crit’Air sticker?

For a light vehicle, driving in a ZFE-m without the required Crit’Air sticker, or with a vehicle that is not permitted to enter, can result in a fixed fine of €68 in general.

The maximum penalty can be as high as €450.

Your vehicle could also be immobilised or impounded in certain circumstances.

What should UK drivers do now?

If you're travelling to France by car:

• Check whether your destination is inside a ZFE-m.
• Check which Crit’Air category your vehicle qualifies for.
• Order your Crit’Air sticker before travelling if one is required.
• Display the sticker correctly on your vehicle before entering the zone.
• Check the local restrictions because the rules can vary between different French ZFE-m zones.

For a UK-registered vehicle, you can apply online through the official French Crit’Air service.

The French government says the sticker for a vehicle registered outside France currently costs €5.11, including postage.

Allow around 10 working days for the sticker to arrive.

How much does a Crit’Air sticker cost?

For a vehicle registered outside France, the current cost of a Crit’Air sticker is €5.11 including postage.

You'll need your vehicle registration document and an email address to apply.

The sticker is sent to the address shown on the vehicle registration document.

The French government says it normally takes around 10 working days to arrive.

Beware unofficial websites charging extra for the sticker.

The official French Crit’Air website is:

certificat-air.gouv.fr

This is the official site for ordering the sticker.

The bottom line

Yes – British drivers still need a Crit’Air sticker when driving in a French low-emission zone.

France's ZFE-m system remains in force and the rules vary between individual zones.

If you're planning a driving holiday in France, check your route before setting off and order your Crit’Air sticker in advance if your journey takes you into a ZFE-m.

For a UK-registered vehicle, the current official application fee is €5.11 including postage.

Don't leave it until you arrive in France – the sticker is sent by post and normally takes around 10 working days to arrive.

Driving in France checklist for UK drivers

Here's a quick checklist for UK drivers planning to drive in France 

Item	Required?	Notes
Full UK Driving Licence	✅ Yes	Both paper and photocard if applicable
Vehicle V5C logbook or VE103	✅ Yes	Proof of ownership – more on VE103
Valid Insurance (with EU cover)	✅ Yes	Check with your provider for confirmation
Passport	✅ Yes	Must be valid for at least 3 months after return
Travel Insurance	🔲 Advised	Helps cover unexpected medical or trip issues
MOT certificate	✅ Yes	For vehicles over 3 years old – check your renewal date
Reflective jackets (one per occupant)	✅ Yes	Must be within reach (not in the boot)
Warning triangle	✅ Yes	Legally required
Headlight beam deflectors	✅ Yes	Required even for LED lights
UK sticker/identifier	✅ Yes	Needed unless UK plates have Union Jack
Spare bulb kit	🔲 Advised	Not a legal requirement but useful
Breathalyser kit	🔲 Advised	Not enforced, but still recommended
Sat nav without speed camera alerts	✅ Yes	Disable alerts for camera locations
Credit/debit card or cash for tolls	✅ Yes	Many motorways are tolled
Emission sticker (Crit’Air)	🔲 Sometimes	See above
Drive on the right-hand side	✅ Yes	Pay extra attention at roundabouts
Speed limits adjust in wet weather	✅ Yes	Limits drop – always check signs
Drink and drug driving rules	✅ Yes	Strict rules apply
No use of hands-free earpieces/headphones	✅ Yes	Illegal to use in France
European Breakdown Cover	🔲 Advised	Very useful if you break down abroad
Paper map or offline GPS	🔲 Advised	Helpful in rural areas with poor signal
EHIC/GHIC card	🔲 Advised	Free or reduced-cost state medical care in EU

 

 

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