If you're planning to travel to France by car or camper in the near future, it's wise to pay extra attention to the environmental regulations. Due to the ongoing heatwave and a significant increase in ozone pollution, several French regions have temporarily tightened the admission rules for environmental zones. In multiple cities and on major traffic routes, vehicles with an Emissions Sticker 3 are temporarily prohibited. This is quite remarkable considering that the French government had recently been discussing the complete abolition of environmental zones in France.
From Abolition to Stricter Environmental Zones in Just Two Months
Earlier this year, there were talks about relaxing or even abolishing some of France's environmental zones (and this abolition ultimately didn't go ahead), but the current situation shows just how crucial these zones still are. High temperatures lead to increased ozone levels, prompting local authorities to take extra measures to improve air quality.
In various French cities, only vehicles with Emissions Stickers 0, 1, or 2 are allowed to operate temporarily. Cars, motorcycles, and campers with an Emissions Sticker 3 are being banned. Additionally, certain areas have implemented reduced speed limits to further decrease emissions.
Paris and the Périphérique
The strictest measures are currently in effect in Paris and the entire Île-de-France region. This means that even the well-known Périphérique, the ring road around Paris frequently used by holidaymakers, is subject to these restrictions.
Within the zone bounded by the A86 (excluding the A86 itself), only vehicles with Emissions Stickers 0, 1, or 2 are allowed during pollution peaks. The measures are in place daily from 05:30 to 23:59 until authorities lift them.
Moreover, maximum speed limits have been temporarily reduced on various motorways, as detailed in the announcement:
- 130 km/h reduced to 110 km/h
- 110 km/h reduced to 90 km/h
- 90 or 80 km/h reduced to 70 km/h
Lyon Tightens Regulations as Well
Holidaymakers heading to the South of France must also be cautious. The popular Route du Soleil runs through Lyon, where stricter environmental rules are also in effect.
Vehicles with an Emissions Sticker 3 are temporarily banned from entering Lyon's environmental zone. Travelers looking to avoid this zone can take the eastern bypass via the A46 and N346. This route is often faster than navigating through downtown Lyon. More information about the extent of the Lyon Environmental Zone can be found here.
Restrictions in Marseille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg
Not only Paris and Lyon have implemented measures. Temporary traffic restrictions have also been established in:
- Marseille
- Bordeaux
- Rouen
- Toulouse
- Strasbourg
due to poor air quality. The duration of these measures is not yet known!
Overview of Current Measures
Due to the heatwave, several French cities have temporarily enforced stricter environmental rules:
- Paris and Île-de-France: Only Emissions Stickers 0, 1, and 2 are allowed within the A86 zone. The maximum speed limit has been reduced by 20 km/h on several roads.
- Lyon & Villeurbanne: Only Emissions Stickers 0, 1, and 2 are permitted in the environmental zone. A 20 km/h speed reduction also applies here.
- Marseille: In the city centre, only Emissions Stickers 0, 1, and 2 are allowed. Depending on air quality, Emissions Sticker 3 may temporarily be banned.
- Bordeaux: Access rules are adjusted based on current air quality. A maximum speed limit of 70 km/h applies on the ring road.
- Strasbourg: Currently, only vehicles with Emissions Stickers 0, 1, and 2 are allowed between 06:00 and 22:00. Emissions Stickers 3, 4, and 5 are temporarily prohibited.
- Rouen: Vehicles with Emissions Stickers 0, 1, 2, and 3 are permitted to drive. Reduced speed limits apply.
- Toulouse: During periods of persistent air pollution, only Emissions Stickers 0, 1, and 2 are permitted. The speed limit on the ring road has been reduced to 70 km/h.
Restrictions in Strasbourg
In the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg, even stricter rules are currently in place. Here, vehicles with Emissions Stickers 3, 4, or 5 are not allowed daily between 06:00 and 22:00 on almost the entire road network within the environmental zone. A few motorways around the city are exempt, allowing through traffic to continue using parts of the A4, A35, and A355. Drivers entering the environmental zone without the correct emissions sticker risk a fine of €68. For trucks over 3.5 tons, the fine can rise to €135.
Which Cars Get an Emissions Sticker 3 or Lower?
In practice, this mainly concerns:
- Petrol cars from before 2006;
- Diesel cars from before 2011.
Are you travelling with a car or camper to France? Check with our free tool in advance which Emissions category your vehicle falls into. During periods of heat and air pollution, the rules can change from one day to the next.
Travel Prepared!
The French environmental zones are dynamic. During a heatwave or increased air pollution, local authorities can temporarily tighten access rules. Especially during the summer holiday, this can have significant implications for holidaymakers travelling to the South of France.
Therefore, always check before departure whether your vehicle has access to the environmental zones you will be passing through. Additionally, ensure you have the correct Emissions Sticker displayed on your windscreen in good time, so you won't face any surprises on the road.
One More Tip: Avoid travelling to France on these dates! You will undoubtedly be stuck in traffic all day!
