Low-emission zones in France

Crit’Air for a vehicle registered abroad

Crit’Air classification depends on fuel, emissions standard and first registration date. Order from the official French website using the application for vehicles registered abroad, with the registration certificate.

For cars, affix the sticker inside the windscreen. A German Umweltplakette does not replace it. The oldest vehicles may not qualify for any Crit’Air category.

Local limits and operating hours

There is no single emissions threshold for every French ZFE. Compare your Crit’Air category with the rules for the particular metropolitan area and distinguish cars, motorcycles, vans and heavy vehicles.

Some restrictions operate continuously and others only on certain days or at certain hours. Temporary pollution restrictions are a separate measure.

Exemptions and planning your arrival

Apply to the relevant ZFE authority for any local exemption or occasional-use permit. Permission from another metropolitan area is not automatically valid here.

If your vehicle cannot enter, choose parking outside the zone and check the full approach route. A hotel or parking reservation is not an emissions exemption.

Different cities, different limits

Lyon normally restricts Crit’Air 3, 4, 5 and unclassified vehicles, and includes some major through-roads. Clermont-Ferrand and Saint-Étienne have schemes described primarily for unclassified commercial vehicles. Nancy has different start dates for commercial and passenger vehicles.

Use the city detail and official calendar for the exact trip. Future stages and proposals are not the same as restrictions currently in force.

Open the map and official boundary links →