Low Emissions Zone Pau

Does Pau have an emissions zone? Yes, Pau has had an official low-emission zone (ZFE-m) since January 1, 2025. This emissions zone was established under the French Climate and Resilience Law, aimed at improving air quality and protecting the health of residents. Access restrictions apply to polluting vehicles within the ZFE of Pau. You can only enter the zone with a valid French emissions sticker (Crit'Air vignette) displayed on your windscreen.

Do I need an emissions sticker for Pau?

Yes, starting January 1, 2025, you will need a valid French emissions sticker (Crit'Air vignette) to drive within the built-up area of Pau and surrounding municipalities. This measure is part of the implementation of a low-emission zone (ZFE-m), as outlined in the Climate and Resilience Law. Driving without a valid emissions sticker could result in a fine of £58.

Where does the emissions zone in Pau begin?

The emissions zone in Pau covers the urban area of 8 municipalities in the agglomeration: Pau, Billère, Bizanos, Gelos, Idron, Jurançon, Lons, and Mazères-Lezons. Within this zone, restrictions apply on weekdays between 09:00 and 18:00 for vehicles without a valid Crit'Air sticker.

The emissions zone is bounded by the following main roads:

• West: D834
• North: D817
• East: D817 and D802
• South: D802

Within this ring, it is mandatory to display a French emissions sticker (Crit'Air) on your windscreen.

Map of the emissions zone in Pau

The following map clearly shows the exact extent of the emissions zone in Pau.

Where can I park (P+R) outside the emissions zone of Pau?

The following Park and Ride (P+R) facilities are located at the edge of the emissions zone and are accessible without an emissions sticker:

• 📍Catherine de Bourbon 
• 📍Cliniques 
• 📍Stades du Hameau 

From these locations, you can easily transfer to public transport (by bus) to the centre of Pau.

Which vehicles are allowed in the emissions zone of Pau?

Vehicles with a Crit'Air vignette in classes E, 1 to 5 (all classes) are allowed. Prohibited during weekdays between 9:00 and 18:00 are:

• Passenger cars without classification, registered before December 31, 1996
• Light commercial vehicles, registered before September 30, 1997
• Two-wheelers without classification, registered before May 31, 2000
• Trucks, buses, and coaches without classification, registered before September 30, 2001

The above also includes all vehicles that do not qualify for an emissions sticker. Want to know which sticker your vehicle qualifies for? Click here.

Agricultural vehicles and machinery are exempt from the regulations and do not require a Crit'Air vignette.

Where can I buy an emissions sticker for Pau?

You can only order the French emissions sticker (Crit'Air vignette) needed to enter the emissions zone of Pau online, not locally. You can quickly and easily order it through the application service of VignetDirect.com. Ordering takes just one minute, and you will receive a digital proof within 48 hours, allowing you to travel without worries.

How much does an emissions sticker for Pau cost?

At VignetDirect.com, you can order the French emissions sticker for £18.95, which includes processing and shipping for a fixed amount. You benefit from fast processing, clear communication in English, and within 48 hours you will receive a valid proof for your vehicle. This way, you can head to Pau without any concerns. The 

👉 Order your Crit'Air vignette  here

What happens if you don't have an emissions sticker in Pau?

Driving in Pau without a valid emissions sticker or with a vehicle that is too polluting during the specified times can result in a fine of £58. Enforcement occurs through roadside checks, and in some cities, they are soon transitioning to number plate registration. In some places, several smart speed cameras are already in place for this purpose. 

Received that fine? Read here what to do if you receive a French traffic fine. 

Is Pau a low-emission zone?

Yes, Pau has officially been a ZFE-m (Zone à Faibles Émissions mobilité) since January 2025, meaning that only vehicles with a valid Crit'Air vignette are allowed to enter the zone on weekdays between 09:00 and 18:00.

Why does Pau have an emissions zone?

The emissions zone was established to improve air quality, protect public health, and meet national environmental objectives as outlined in the Climate and Resilience Law. More about air quality and the reasons for implementation can be found in this study published at the time of implementation.

My vehicle does not qualify for an emissions sticker in Pau. What can I do?

There are a few alternatives:

• Park outside the ZFE-m and continue your journey by public transport
• Request an exemption if you fall under one of the special arrangements (see below)
• Use a car-sharing or rental vehicle with a valid Crit'Air classification

What exemptions are there for the emissions zone of Pau?

National exemptions:

• Vehicles of public interest (fire service, police, etc.)
• Vehicles of the Ministry of Defence
• Vehicles with a valid disabled parking permit
• Public transport with low emissions

Local exemptions (from January 1, 2025 can be requested online):

• Vehicles with <10,000 km/year
• 52-day/year card (max. 1 trip at a time)
• Non-sedentary market traders
• Vehicles with specific permits for public space use (such as food trucks)
• Specialized construction vehicles and machinery
• Classic cars with official registration
• Vehicles of civil safety associations
• Vehicles called for technical inspection
• Exceptional convoys with official permission
• Specialized vehicles with "VASP" designation
• Note: supporting documents are required for each application, such as registration certificate, proof of use, or permits.

If you are near Pau and visiting Bordeaux, Toulouse, Clermont Ferrand, Nantes, Angers, or Paris? Be aware that these cities also have emissions zones. For a complete list, read this FAQ.