Low Emissions Zone Lyon

Does Lyon have an emissions zone? Yes, the Lyon emissions zone will even extend to the Route du Soleil from 2024. Planning a road trip to Lyon or a day out in the surrounding areas? Be aware that there are permanent emissions zones in and around Lyon and the Route du Soleil. In this zone, an emissions sticker for France is mandatory.

Do I need an emissions sticker for Lyon?

Yes, to drive a vehicle in Lyon, you must have a French emissions sticker. This requirement applies to both residents and tourists visiting the city. The different coloured stickers indicate how environmentally friendly your vehicle is and determine whether you can access certain areas of the city. An emissions sticker is also required on the old Route du Soleil.

Where does the low emissions zone start in Lyon?

The Lyon emissions zone, also known as ZFE, covers the city centre and several surrounding areas. The municipalities of Caluire-et-Cuire, Villeurbanne, and various districts/industrial areas of Bron and Vénissieux fall within the emissions zone. Other suburbs to the south and east of Lyon are just outside the zone. Since 2024, the ring roads Boulevard Périphérique Nord and Boulevard Périphérique Laurent Bonnevay are also included in the emissions zone, meaning they cannot be accessed without a French emissions sticker.

Map of Lyon Emissions Zone

Is the Route du Soleil included in the Lyon Low Emissions Zone?

The well-known old Route du Soleil (A6, A7, A42 and associated connecting roads) has also been restricted since 2024, requiring a French emissions sticker. This Route du Soleil is a popular route for travellers from the Netherlands and Belgium heading to sunny Southern France. The image below shows where you do or do not need an emissions sticker.

When do you need an emissions sticker around Lyon? 

If you are travelling via the old Route du Soleil (A6/A7, now M6/M7) and the Tunnel de Fourvière along the city centre and the banks of the Rhône, you will need an emissions sticker (the blue route). An emissions sticker is also required to enter the Périphérique and Boulevard Laurent Bonnevay (the red route). These are the blue and red routes shown on the map.

When do you not need an emissions sticker around Lyon? 

If you are driving via the eastern ring road, known as the 'Rocade Est' or A46, you do not need an emissions sticker. This route will take you in an eastern arc around the city and guide you back to the A7 south just before the village of Vienne.

Both routes can be very busy in the summer, leading to guaranteed traffic jams. From 2024, the city of Lyon aims to reduce the number of through travellers in the city and prefers that you take the green route via the A46.

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

There are several Park and Ride facilities outside the emissions zone where you can park your vehicle and continue your journey to the city centre using public transport. This is a convenient solution for vehicles that do not meet the requirements for the French emissions sticker or if you want to park affordably. Parking in central Lyon can be quite challenging.

• Parc Relais TCL Mermoz Pinel (east side of emissions zone)
• Parc Relais TCL Parilly (south side of emissions zone)
• Park & Ride Laurent Bonnevay (east side of emissions zone)

Which cars are allowed to drive in Lyon?

From January 1, 2025, it will no longer be permitted to drive or park your own car or motorcycle in the permanent emissions zone of the Lyon metropolis if it has a French emissions sticker in categories 3, 4, 5, or if the vehicle does not have a sticker at all. This means that all the following vehicles will not be allowed in the emissions zone:

• Diesel cars first registered before January 1, 2011;
• Petrol and hybrid cars first registered before January 1, 2006;
• Motorcycles first registered before January 1, 2006.

By 2028, the driving and parking ban will gradually extend to vehicles with a French emissions sticker in categories 2, 3, 4, and 5. This additional restriction will effectively ban diesel engines entirely.

This means that from 2028, vehicles with a French emissions sticker in category 2 will also be excluded from the emissions zone. This includes, in addition to the aforementioned vehicles:

• Petrol and hybrid vehicles registered between 2006 and 2010;
• Diesel vehicles registered after 2011;
• Motorcycles registered between 2007 and 2016;
• Mopeds registered between 2007 and 2017.

Read here for which French emissions sticker you will receive for your vehicle.

Where can I buy an emissions sticker for Lyon?

You can easily apply for a French emissions sticker through VignetDirect.nl. The French emissions sticker is only available online and cannot be purchased at local petrol stations or car dealerships. It is also not available through the AA.

How much does an emissions sticker for Lyon cost?

The cost for a French emissions sticker is £18.95 through VignetDirect.nl, including VAT and shipping. You will receive an official confirmation within 48 hours, allowing you to travel to Lyon without any issues. The application takes just a minute, and you can pay securely with iDEAL.

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

If you enter Lyon without a valid emissions sticker, you risk receiving a fine. French authorities conduct regular checks, and offenders can be fined between £58 and £115, depending on the type of vehicle.

Is Lyon a low-emission zone?

Yes, Lyon has had a low-emission zone (ZFE) since 2019, aimed at reducing air pollution. This means that only vehicles with a suitable emissions sticker can access certain parts of the city, especially during periods of increased pollution. The types of emissions zones in Lyon have changed over the years. From 2016 to 2020, there was a temporary emissions zone (ZPA) in Lyon. Since 2019, a permanent zone (ZFE) has been established that initially applied only to freight traffic. Since 2020, this permanent zone (ZFE) also applies to passenger cars.

Why does Lyon have an emissions zone?

The Mobility Orientation Law of 2019 made the establishment of a ZFE mandatory in large cities where air quality standards were regularly exceeded. This applies to cities such as Paris, Grenoble, Lyon, Strasbourg, Marseille, and Montpellier. The emissions zone aims to improve air quality and reduce the harmful impact of polluting vehicles.

My vehicle does not qualify for a (valid) sticker in Lyon. What can I do?

If your vehicle does not meet the requirements for a French emissions sticker, you may consider parking outside the emissions zone and using public transport. Another option is to rent an environmentally friendly vehicle that meets the requirements. You may also fall under an exempt vehicle or a vehicle with a waiver.

In Lyon, there are exceptions for certain vehicles in the emissions zone (ZFE).

Permanent exemptions:

• Vehicles with a “mobility inclusion” card for disabled persons.
• Emergency vehicles and vehicles from civil safety associations.

Temporary exemptions:

• Low-mileage drivers: Up to 52 driving rights per year via the Toodego platform.
• Shift workers: Exemption for Crit'Air 3 vehicles from 2025 to 2026 for night shifts.
• Waiting period for new vehicle: 6-month exemption for delayed delivery of a new environmentally friendly vehicle.