Low Emissions Zone Paris

Does Paris have an low emissions zone? Yes! Are you planning to drive or take a camper van to (Disneyland) Paris? Be aware that Paris and its surrounding areas have a low-emission zone (LEZ), which means that high-emission vehicles are restricted. This policy aims to improve air quality and make the city more livable.

Do I need an emissions sticker for Paris?

Yes, a French environmental sticker is mandatory if you want to enter the environmental zone of Paris with your vehicle. Since July 1, 2019, Paris has been designated as a low-emission zone. This means that access to Paris is only permitted with a valid French environmental sticker. This rule applies to all vehicles, including foreign ones. The sticker serves as proof that your vehicle meets the emission standards set in Paris. 

When is the environmental zone in Paris active?

The environmental zone in Paris is active from 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday (excluding French public holidays). This applies to cars, motorbikes, and commercial vehicles.

For trucks and buses, the environmental zone is active 7 days a week from 08:00 to 20:00.

Where does the environmental zone in Paris start?

The environmental zone in Paris encompasses the entire area within the Boulevard Périphérique and the outer ring (A86) around Paris. No environmental sticker is required to access the outer ring (A86) around Paris. In total, the Paris environmental zone includes 77 different municipalities. Traffic signs at the access points clearly indicate where the zone begins. 

Map of the Environmental Zone Paris

As of January 1, 2025, the environmental zone in Paris will include the following municipalities in and around Paris (metropolis). Most of these municipalities are located within or adjacent to the A86.

Alfortville, Antony, Arcueil, Asnières-sur-Seine, Aubervilliers, Bagneux, Bagnolet, Bobigny, Bois-Colombes, Bondy, Boulogne-Billancourt, Bourg-la-Reine, Cachan, Champigny-sur-Marne, Charenton-le-Pont, Châtenay-Malabry, Châtillon, Chaville, Chevilly-Larue, Choisy-le-Roi, Clamart, Clichy-la-Garenne, Colombes, Courbevoie, Créteil, Drancy, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Fontenay-sous-Bois, Fresnes, Garches, Gentilly, Gennevilliers, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Ivry-sur-Seine, Joinville-le-Pont, La Courneuve, La Garenne-Colombes, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Le Plessis-Robinson, Le Pré-Saint-Gervais, Les Lilas, Levallois-Perret, L'Haÿ-les-Roses, L'Île-Saint-Denis, Malakoff, Marnes-la-Coquette, Maisons-Alfort, Meudon, Montreuil, Montrouge, Nanterre, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Nogent-sur-Marne, Noisy-le-Sec, Pantin, Paris, Puteaux, Romainville, Rosny-sous-Bois, Rueil-Malmaison, Rungis, Saint-Cloud, Saint-Denis/Pierrefitte-sur-Seine, Saint-Mandé, Saint-Maurice, Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, Sceaux, Sèvres, Suresnes, Thiais, Vanves, Vaucresson, Ville-d'Avray, Villejuif, Villeneuve-la-Garenne, Vincennes, Vitry-sur-Seine.

Where can I park (P+R) outside the environmental zone in Paris?

You can park outside the ZFE Zone of Paris at P+R locations such as P+R Vincennes or P+R La Défense. From these locations, you can easily reach the city centre via public transport, such as the metro or RER. These parking options are ideal for visitors who do not have a French environmental sticker.

Which cars are allowed in the Environmental Zone Paris?

As of January 1, 2025, only vehicles with a French Environmental Sticker category 0, 1, and 2 are permitted in the Paris environmental zone. These are vehicles with Green, Purple, and Yellow environmental stickers. In 2024, vehicles with a French Vignette category 3 (orange sticker) were still allowed in the zone. However, this will no longer be permitted from 2025. Vehicles with higher emissions, such as older diesel or petrol cars with a Crit'Air 3, 4, or 5 sticker (orange, red/brown, grey) or without a sticker, will no longer be allowed in the zone. 

Click here to find out which sticker your vehicle qualifies for.

Where can I buy an environmental sticker for Paris?

A Crit'Air sticker can be easily ordered through the VignetDirect application service. By doing this in advance, you ensure that you are prepared and can enter the zone without any issues.

How much does an environmental sticker for Paris cost?

The cost for a Crit'Air sticker is £18.95 at VignetDirect. This amount includes administrative and shipping costs. You will receive valid proof within 48 hours, allowing you to travel to the capital of France.

What happens if you don't have an environmental sticker in Paris?

Without a sticker, you risk a fine of £68. During checks, you may also be asked to leave the zone immediately. During periods of increased enforcement, fines can quickly accumulate, so it's important to have a valid sticker. In the period before 2026, no penalties will be imposed for violations in areas where a sticker was not required before 2025 (outside the inner ring of the Boulevard Périphérique). The implementation of the ZFE in the Paris Metropolis is gradual, with an educational phase of one year. From January 1 to December 31, 2025, checks will occur on an occasional basis and will only serve an informational purpose.

Why does Paris have an environmental zone?

The environmental zone in Paris was established to drastically reduce air pollution throughout the metropolis, as the city faces high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. By implementing strict emission regulations, Paris aims to contribute to a healthier living environment and a more sustainable future.

What exemptions are there for the environmental zone in Paris?

The environmental zone in Paris offers various exemptions:

ZFE 24-hour Pass: For vehicles with social, economic, or technical reasons, it is possible to apply for a ZFE 24-hour pass. This allows driving within the zone for a maximum of 24 days per year.

National exemptions: These are automatic and do not require an application. They apply, among others, to:

• Vehicles of public interest, such as police, fire services, ambulances, and military vehicles.
• Vehicles with a disabled parking permit.
• Vehicles from the Ministry of Defence.
• Certain low-emission vehicles for public transport.

Local exemptions: These must be applied for and apply to:

• Vehicles with a planned replacement that are subject to delivery delays.
• Historic vehicles marked “collection” on the registration certificate.
• Vehicles of employees with irregular working hours.
• Vehicles used for access to medical care or education/training.
• Specialised vehicles such as self-driving and specially equipped vehicles.

For applications for local exemptions or a 24-hour pass, we may be able to assist you. Please email your inquiry to info@vignetdirect.nl.

Can the ring road of Paris be accessed without an environmental sticker?

The outer ring of Paris (A86) can be accessed without an environmental sticker. However, a sticker is required for the inner ring (the Boulevard Périphérique).

Is Disneyland accessible without an environmental sticker? 

Disneyland Paris was accessible without an environmental sticker before January 1, 2025. However, due to the introduction of the environmental zone in Lille, Valenciennes, Metz, and Reims from January 1, 2025, an environmental sticker will also be required if you travel to Disneyland Paris or Asterix Park through these environmental zones.

Want to know more about the environmental sticker for France? Check out our FAQ page.