Low Emissions Zone Lille (Lille)

Is there an low emissions zone in Lille? Yes. If you're planning to drive your car, camper, or motorcycle to Lille, or perhaps visiting the Lille Zoo or the Vieille Bourse, be aware that as of 1st June 2025, there will be emissions restrictions for vehicles without certain environmental stickers in France. 

Permanent Zone Lille (ZFE) from 1st January 2025

On 10th February 2017, during a council meeting, it was decided that a permanent emissions zone should be established in Lille. Before this permanent zone is implemented, the necessity and benefits must be demonstrated through various studies. Local residents also need to be consulted regarding their opinions on the potential introduction of a permanent emissions zone in Lille.

Since the introduction of the Climate and Resilience Law in 2021, it has become clear that a permanent emissions zone for Lille is no longer optional. The Climate and Resilience Law mandates cities with more than 150,000 residents to establish a low-emission zone (ZFE) by 1st January 2025. This zone must cover at least half of the population in the area. Additionally, as of July 2023, vehicles registered before 31st December 1996 (unclassified vehicles) are prohibited in these zones, including Lille. 

Therefore, from 1st January 2025, a Low Emission Zone (ZFE) will be in effect in the Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL). This means that in 95 municipalities surrounding Lille, strict regulations will apply to the traffic of polluting vehicles. The aim is to improve air quality and contribute to a more sustainable living environment. The permanent zone (ZFE) prohibits motor vehicles without an emissions sticker from France. In short, only vehicles with a French environmental sticker will be allowed in the permanent emissions zone of the Lille metropolis. The zone operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, affecting all motor vehicles with some exceptions as mentioned below.

Which vehicles are affected by the Environmental Zone in Lille?

The rules apply to all vehicles operating within the ZFE perimeter, including foreign vehicles.

• Prohibited vehicles: Unclassified vehicles (registered before 1st January 1997) are not allowed to drive in the ZFE.
• Exempt vehicles: This includes vehicles with a mobility inclusion card, collector vehicles older than 30 years, and vehicles used for public events.

Emissions sticker required in the Environmental zone Lille

The Crit’Air sticker is a mandatory air quality certificate that classifies vehicles based on their emissions.

• Categories of French emissions stickers: From 0 (least polluting) to 5 (most polluting). It doesn't matter which one you have; all are allowed in this zone as long as you have one.
• Unclassified: Vehicles without a sticker, such as older models.
• Application: Stickers can be requested through our website. Foreign vehicles from the Netherlands and Belgium must also have a sticker.

Scope and enforcement of the Emissions Zone Lille

The ZFE is valid in the 95 municipalities of the MEL and on major traffic routes such as the A1, A22, A25, A27, and N356. The zone is permanently active, 24/7. Enforcement is carried out through police checks.

Here is the list of the 95 participating municipalities;

Allennes-les-Marais, Annœullin, Anstaing, Armentières, Aubers, Baisieux, Bauvin, Beaucamps-Ligny, Bois-Grenier, Bondues, Bousbeque, Bouvines, Capinghem, Carnin, Chéreng, Comines, Croix, Deûlémont, Don, Emmerin, Englos, Ennetières-en-Weppes, Erquinghem-Lys, Erquinghem-le-Sec, Escobecques, Faches-Thumesnil, Forest-sur-Marque, Fournes-en-Weppes, Frelinghien, Fretin, Fromelles, Gruson, Hallennes-lez-Haubourdin, Halluin, Hantay, Haubourdin, Hem, Herlies, Houplin-Ancoisne, Houplines, Illies, La Bassée, La Chapelle-d'Armentières, La Madeleine, Lambersart, Lannoy, Le Maisnil, Leers, Lesquin, Lezennes, Lille, Linselles, Lompret, Loos, Lys-lez-Lannoy, Marcq-en-Barœul, Marquette-lez-Lille, Marquillies, Mons-en-Barœul, Mouvaux, Neuville-en-Ferrain, Noyelles-lès-Seclin, Pérenchies, Péronne-en-Mélantois, Provin, Quesnoy-sur-Deûle, Radinghem-en-Weppes, Ronchin, Roncq, Roubaix, Sailly-lez-Lannoy, Sainghin-en-Mélantois, Sainghin-en-Weppes, Saint-André-lez-Lille, Salomé, Santes, Seclin, Sequedin, Templemars, Toufflers, Tourcoing, Tressin, Vendeville, Verlinghem, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Wambrechies, Warneton, Wasquehal, Wattignies, Wattrelos, Wavrin, Wervicq-Sud, Wicres, Willems

Exceptions and exemptions for the emissions zone Lille

Certain vehicles and drivers may qualify for exemptions. Applications can be made via the website of the Métropole Européenne de Lille. Criteria include:

• Low annual mileage (<8,000 km).
• Pass Pass subscription holders.
• Specific professional vehicles such as food trucks or vehicles for events.

With the introduction of the ZFE, Lille is taking a significant step towards a cleaner city and a healthier living environment. It is essential to take timely measures and equip your vehicle with a Crit’Air sticker to avoid fines.