Is this the beginning of the end for low-emission zones in France?

The introduction of low-emission zones was an environmental policy first introduced in 2019 under President Emmanuel Macron to combat urban air pollution – particularly in major cities, including the capital, Paris.

According to reports in France, these low-emission zones, which restrict higher-polluting vehicles from entering certain city areas, have faced mounting criticism for disproportionately impacting lower-income individuals who cannot afford to upgrade to cleaner or electric vehicles.

The vote to end the country’s low-emission zones (ZFEs) passed 98 to 51, with several members of Macron’s own party breaking ranks to support the motion alongside right-wing and far-right opposition parties.

The proposal was introduced by Pierre Meurin, a deputy from the far-right National Rally party.

Outside of national politics, the outcome marks a symbolic win for writer Alexandre Jardin, who founded the grassroots movement Les Gueux (The Beggars).

Jardin has argued that environmental policies like ZFEs unfairly penalise the working and lower class, saying, ‘ecology has become a sport for the rich’.

But, despite the fact that the vote to remove the emission zones passed with a healthy majority, there is a still a long way to go before it could come into effect – meaning UK drivers planning trips to France will still need to be bound by the rules.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Despite the vote by France’s National Assembly to abolish the country’s low-emission zones (known locally as ZFEs), it doesn’t yet mean the end of the need for Crit’Air stickers as there are still a number of political hurdles on the road ahead. 

“UK drivers planning to visit any city that has a ZFE should therefore still apply for a sticker in the usual way using the official website. The RAC website also has detailed information on the Crit’Air scheme."

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What are ZFEs?

Low-emission zones (ZFEs, or Zones a Faibles Emissions) are designated urban areas in France where older, more polluting vehicles are restricted to reduce air pollution.

Introduced in 2019, they aim to improve public health and meet EU climate targets.

ZFEs restrict access to certain areas based on vehicle emissions, using France’s Crit’Air sticker system.

Large fines can be issued to those who break the emission rules for that area.

What is Crit’Air?

Crit’Air is France’s vehicle emissions classification system.

Vehicles are issued colour-coded stickers, ranging from Crit’Air 0 (electric) to Crit’Air 5 (oldest diesel models), based on age, vehicle/engine type, and emissions.

These stickers determine whether a vehicle can enter ZFEs, especially during peak times.

Read our full Crit’Air guide to learn more.

What will happen to Crit’Air and low-emission zones in France?

The decision to abolish low-emission zones was introduced as an amendment to the ongoing 'simplification' bill in parliament, which is intended to reduce bureaucratic complexity and streamline administrative procedures.

There are currently hundreds of amendments to be talked about in French parliament, before the MPs vote of the full bill.

In order for it to be implemented, it must gain a majority vote in the Assemblee Nationale.

Even if this does happen, the amendment related to ZFEs and Crit’Air can still be scrapped by France's Constitutional Council.

The French Government also receives more than €40 billion from the EU for subsidies relating to greenhouse gas reduction – so this amendment could impact that.

Do I still need to display a Crit’Air sticker?

Yes – at least for now. Until the National Assembly’s decision is fully ratified at all other relevant parts of the French parliament, there are no changes to the current scheme meaning it’s still necessary to display the relevant sticker and be bound by the rules when entering a city covered by a ZFE.