What is the Vignette Crit'Air?
The Crit'Air sticker, also known as the "Certificat Qualité de l'Air", is a system introduced by the French government to classify vehicles according to their pollutant emission levels.
Introduced in 2016, this vignette aims to reduce air pollution in urban areas by limiting the circulation of the most polluting vehicles.
There are 6 categories of Crit'Air stickers, numbered from 0 to 5, each number corresponding to a specific color and pollution level:
Crit'Air 0 (green): Electric and hydrogen vehicles.
Crit'Air 1 (purple): Gasoline and hybrid vehicles registered since 2011.
Crit'Air 2 (yellow): Diesel vehicles registered since 2011 and gasoline vehicles registered between 2006 and 2010.
Crit'Air 3 (orange): Diesel vehicles registered between 2006 and 2010 and petrol vehicles registered between 1997 and 2005.
Crit'Air 4 (red): Diesel vehicles registered between 2001 and 2005.
Crit'Air 5 (burgundy): Diesel vehicles registered before 2001.
For classic cars, the Crit'Air sticker can be a challenge, as they are often classified in the most polluting categories. However, solutions do exist for these classic car enthusiasts, such as converting to cleaner fuels or obtaining classic vehicle status.
Which cities are affected by the Crit'Air sticker?
Restrictions linked to the Crit'Air sticker are applied mainly in Low Emission Zones (ZFE), which aim to improve air quality by banning the most polluting vehicles.
- Paris, la he French capital was a pioneer in the introduction of the Crit'Air sticker. Since July 2017, the most polluting vehicles (Crit'Air 4, 5 and unclassified) have been banned from driving Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm inside the ring road.
- In Lyon, the restrictions are similar, with reinforced bans during pollution episodes. Since 2020, Crit'Air 3 and older vehicles have also been subject to restrictions.
- Grenoble, this city has also had a ZFE in place since 2017, banning Crit'Air 5 vehicles first, with plans to gradually tighten restrictions.
- Strasbourg, since 2021, Strasbourg has set up a ZFE banning Crit'Air 4 and 5 vehicles, with the aim of moving to tighter restrictions by 2025.
Many other cities are following suit, including Toulouse, Montpellier and Marseille, which are gradually introducing their own ZFEs with restrictions based on Crit'Air stickers.
And other countries... Do they have an equivalent?
Initiatives to reduce automobile pollution are not exclusive to France. Many other European countries have introduced similar schemes:
In Germany: "Umweltplakette" (eco-discs) classify vehicles according to their emissions, and are compulsory for access to numerous environmental zones ("Umweltzonen") in cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt.
In Spain: In Madrid and Barcelona, environmental stickers are required to drive in certain zones. Madrid has a low-emission zone called "Madrid Central", which prohibits access by the most polluting vehicles.
In Italy: In Milan, the "Area C" zone restricts access to the most polluting vehicles, and many other Italian cities have set up ZTLs (limited traffic zones) with similar restrictions.
In the UK: London has introduced theUltra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which imposes significant charges on vehicles that fail to meet emissions standards. The zone is gradually being extended to include more vehicles and neighborhoods.
These measures show a global trend towards reducing pollutant emissions from vehicles, with solutions tailored to each country and city.
Vintage cars: A specific Crit'Air?
For classic cars, often appreciated for their character and history, the Crit'Air sticker can be a real headache. In general, these vehicles are classified as Crit'Air 4 or 5, or even unclassified, which severely limits their circulation in the EPZs.
However, there are a few options for classic car owners:
Collector status: In France, vehicles over 30 years old can obtain collector status, which grants them certain exemptions for traffic in the EPZs. However, these vehicles must be registered on a specific list and obtain a "collection vehicle" registration document.
Crit'air sticker for a classic car You can easily obtain a Crit'Air sticker for your classic car at https://vignettecritair.com.
Converting to bioethanol or LPG: Some owners opt to convert to cleaner fuels, such as bioethanol or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to reduce emissions and obtain a more advantageous Crit'Air sticker.
Limited use: Some owners choose to limit the use of their classic cars to unrestricted areas and periods, thus avoiding penalties and complications.
Penalties if you don't have the sticker
Failure to comply with Crit'Air sticker regulations can result in significant penalties. Fines for violating traffic restrictions linked to Crit'Air stickers vary from city to city and from situation to situation.
- Fines: In general, fines for non-compliance with Crit'Air restrictions range from €68 to €135. In Paris, for example, the fine is €68 for private cars and up to €135 for trucks and buses.
- Vehicle immobilization: In certain cases, the police may decide to immobilize the vehicle until the situation has been rectified.
- Traffic bans: Vehicles without a Crit'Air sticker or with a non-compliant sticker may be banned from driving in EPZs, which can cause considerable inconvenience for regular drivers.
To avoid these penalties, it's vital to obtain the appropriate Crit'Air sticker and to keep abreast of the traffic restrictions in force in different cities. By complying with these rules, you're not only helping to reduce air pollution, you're also saving yourself unnecessary fines and complications.
FAQ about the Crit'Air sticker for old cars
How can I find out which Crit'Air sticker my old car has?
You need to consult the criteria based on your vehicle's year of registration and fuel type. You can also use the online simulator on the official Crit'Air sticker website, by entering your vehicle registration details.
Can my old car get a Crit'Air sticker if it has been converted to ethanol?
Where do I stick the Crit'Air sticker on my old car?
Does my old car insurance cover fines for not displaying a Crit'Air sticker?
No, it's the owner's responsibility to comply with current traffic regulations, including obtaining and displaying the appropriate Crit'Air sticker.
Is the Crit'Air sticker for my old car valid abroad?
Can I contest a Crit'Air sticker fine for my old car?
Yes, if you believe it has been wrongly issued. You will need to follow the dispute procedure indicated on the ticket and provide all relevant documentation proving your compliance with the regulations in force.
How long is the Crit'Air sticker valid for my old car?
Can I get a Crit'Air sticker for an old imported car?
Yes, you'll need to provide registration documents from the country of origin and information on vehicle emissions to determine the appropriate category for the Crit'Air sticker.
