Environmental zones and environmental stickers in France: what exactly does it mean?

Frits Pieper
04 sep 2017

Are you going on holiday to France soon? Please note that you will need an environmental sticker in a growing number of cities.

Environmental zones: which cities?

In the cities of Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble you already need an environmental sticker. In Bordeaux, Cannes, Montpellier and Toulouse, among others, environmental zones will most likely be introduced in the short term.

Permanent and temporary environmental zones

There are basically two types of environmental zones. Firstly, a permanent environmental zone, such as in the city centre of Paris. This environmental zone is valid in principle all year round, but outside certain times you can also access it without an environmental sticker. Secondly, there are also temporary environmental zones, which are set up during long periods of extreme pollution.

Types of environmental stickers

In both permanent and temporary environmental zones you need a (valid) environmental sticker: the so-called vignette Crit'Air. There are six types of stickers: green, purple, yellow, orange, red and grey. The sticker you need depends on the type, age and CO2 emissions of your vehicle. The cleanest vehicles get a green sticker, the most polluting ones don't get a sticker at all. This means you don't have access to an environmental zone. The only exception to this is for people who have a European disabled parking card.

Fines for violation

Even with a foreign license plate – read: as a tourist – you need an environmental sticker. If you do not have a (valid) environmental sticker, you risk a fine. This also applies if you have applied the environmental sticker incorrectly or if it is illegible. The fines can vary from 45 euros (for direct payment) to 450 euros, plus an immediate driving ban.

Order environmental sticker

Are you going on a trip to France? Then order your environmental sticker in time, because the delivery time is four to six weeks. The environmental sticker is available online only. You will then pay 4,80 euros including shipping costs to the Netherlands. You only need to purchase this once per vehicle. Please note: you will need a credit card for payment. If you order the sticker via another site, you run the risk of paying (much) more! Stick the environmental sticker on the bottom right of the inside of your windshield.

Is your French not so good (anymore)? You can also order the French environmental sticker online at this Dutch-language site: vignetbestellen.nl

More information about the environmental zones in France can be found on the website of the ANWB.Prefer to be nearby a rent a car in Sittard and surroundings? That is possible at Adrem!

1 reaction

  1. Kidney on January 7, 2023 at 11:07 PM

    Mogguuhh
    Question, do I need a sticker for a 2018 truck in France?
    Gr Rene

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