The French emissions sticker FAQ
Some frequently asked questions about the French emissions sticker are answered below. Is your question not among them? Then check out the main page of this website for more information.
Which emissions sticker will my vehicle get?
That depends, among other things, on the age and fuel type of your vehicle. The most environmentally clean vehicles with electric motors get a green sticker, the most polluting diesels a gray one. The rest are in between. You can read a full explanation with the requirements in our article on the colors of the French emissions sticker.
Do foreign vehicles also need a sticker?
Yes, an emissions sticker is also required for foreign vehicles. However, this obligation did not take effect until May 2017, almost a year later than for French vehicles. From February 2017, it was possible to apply for a French emissions sticker for foreign vehicles.
Can I use the emissions sticker in all of France?
Yes, you can use the French emissions sticker in all French low-emission zones. Keep in mind that in some cities, the most polluting vehicles are refused. These usually are vehicles with a red or gray sticker, but sometimes also those with an orange sticker. So, even with an emissions sticker, you do not automatically have access to every French low-emission zone.
Which cities have a low-emission zone?
Initially only Paris, Lyon and Grenoble introduced a low-emission zone. This was in late 2016 and early 2017. Since then many cities followed. On our overview page you can find an up-to-date list, with maps and information for each zone.
Map based on this map by Superbenjamin / License: CC BY-SA 4.0 / Reuse allowed with link to www.frenchemissionssticker.com
Are there different types of low-emission zones?
You can still read on the Internet about temporary and permanent low-emission zones in France. This is how it was proposed by the French government in 2017. Within a permanent low-emission zone (zone à circulation restreinte), an emissions sticker was always mandatory. In a temporary low-emission zone (zone de protection de l’air), an emissions sticker was only required on days with severe air pollution. Although many French departments converted the entire department into a temporary low-emission zone, little came of its enforcement. A later introduced law that always allows local governments to take measures against air pollution also made temporary zones unnecessary.
In 2020, both zones were replaced by zones à faibles émissions, usually abbreviated to ZFE. These are permanent zones with clearly defined borders, although local governments can still make exceptions for certain days or time periods. They can also require vehicles to have specific colors of the emissions sticker. This makes it easier for visitors to understand and easier for local authorities to enforce the rules.
Can I use the German emissions sticker in France?
No, although the German emissions sticker is based on the same European emission standards used in France, you cannot use this sticker in French low-emission zones. The only valid emissions sticker in France is the French emissions sticker.
In what colors does the emissions sticker come?
The emissions sticker comes in the colors green, purple, yellow, orange, burgundy and gray. The color indicates how polluting your vehicle is. Green is for the least polluting and gray for the most polluting vehicles.
Does the French emissions sticker expire?
No, the French emissions sticker is a one-time expense and is valid indefinitely in combination with your vehicle registration number and vehicle. If you change your registration number or your vehicle, a new sticker is required. You will also need a new sticker if it has been damaged or has become illegible in any other way, for example due to prolonged exposure to bright sunlight.
Where do you fix the emissions sticker?
Fix the sticker to the bottom right on the inside of your windshield, as seen from the position of the driver. If you already have other stickers there, you can fix the emissions sticker above it.
How much does the French emissions sticker cost?
The sticker costs €3.11 and is only available from the French government. Including postage, it comes to €4.76 if your postal address is outside of France.
Where do you buy the French emissions sticker?
Directly from the French government through certificat-air.gouv.fr. This website was set up specifically for the purpose of selling the emissions sticker. It is the only official sales channel.
I don’t understand the application form
Our guide to applying for the French emissions sticker explains step by step how to add a vehicle and place your order.
I’m having problems applying for the sticker
Are you getting an error message or are you unable to apply for the emissions sticker via the official website of the French government? Then our advice is to contact the French government yourself. See their contact page for options.
What if I don’t have an emissions sticker?
Then you will risk receiving a fine. The fine ranges from € 68 for passenger cars to € 135 for trucks. If you do not pay within 45 days, extra fees can add up to a maximum of € 375.
What if I do not receive the sticker on time?
Have you ordered an emissions sticker, but have you not yet received it in the mail and are you leaving for France? Then look at the second email you received after placing your order. Attached here is a digital invoice that shows your sticker and a QR code. Please print this document and put it behind your windshield. The French police can then scan the QR code and check your application, even without a sticker on your windshield.
What are European emission standards?
To determine which color of the emissions sticker your vehicle qualifies for, the European emission standard is looked at. These standards, from Euro 1 to Euro 6, indicate how polluting your vehicle is. Euro 6 is for the cleanest vehicles, Euro 1 for relatively polluting ones. Older and highly polluting vehicles do not meet any emission standards. Most European vehicle registration certificates mention the emission standard under item V.9.
What are European vehicle types?
In addition to the emission standard, the vehicle type or vehicle category determines which sticker your vehicle is eligible for. This too can be found on your vehicle registration certificate, under item J. We have listed the most common different European categories below:
- M1 – passenger cars for up to 8 passengers, no more than 3,500 kg
- M2 – buses for more than 8 passengers, no more than 5,000 kg
- M3 – buses for more than 8 passengers, more than 5,000 kg
- N1 – vans for transporting goods, no more than 3,500 kg
- N2 – trucks for transporting goods, 3,500 to 12,000 kg
- N3 – trucks for transporting goods, more than 12,000 kg
- L1 – two-wheeler, no more than 50 cc and maximum speed of 50 km/h
- L2 – three-wheeler, no more than 50 cc and maximum speed of 50 km/h
- L3 – two-wheeler, over 50 cc and maximum speed over 50 km/h
- L4 – three-wheeler, over 50 cc and maximum speed over 50 km/h
- L5 – three-wheeler, over 50 cc and maximum speed over 50 km/h
- L6 – four-wheeler, no more than 50 cc, 50 km/h and 350 kg
- L7 – four-wheeler, no more than 50 cc, 50 km/h and 450 kg
Is an emissions sticker required for electric cars?
Yes, although electric cars do not emit harmful particulate matter, an emissions sticker is still required. This is because from the outside, it is not always possible to determine whether it is an electric vehicle. They automatically qualify for the green emissions sticker that allows you to enter all French low-emission zones.
Is an emissions sticker required for electric cars?
Yes, although electric cars do not emit harmful particulate matter, an emissions sticker is still required. This is because from the outside, it is not always possible to determine whether it is an electric vehicle. They automatically qualify for the green emissions sticker that allows you to enter all French low-emission zones.
I have a EU parking card for people with disabilities
If the driver of a vehicle or a passenger has a EU parking card for people with disabilities, it is allowed to enter French low-emission zones without restrictions. Place the parking card clearly visible on the dashboard.
Please note that if the vehicle is eligible for an emissions sticker, a sticker must still be fixed to the windshield. You will not receive a fine though, if you drive within the low-emission zones with for example a gray sticker when this color is not allowed to enter. If the vehicle does not qualify for any color of the sticker, you are allowed to enter low-emission without an emissions sticker, but with the parking card for people with disabilities.