If you’re planning a European trip in your motorhome or campervan, then it’s important to ensure you have all the documents you need in advance. As part of this, you may need to get an Air Quality Emissions Certificate, along with a “Crit’Air” sticker.
In this post we’ll explore the latest French vehicle emission rules to help you prepare for a fun and peaceful trip in your campervan.
At Anthony Jones, we can help you ensure you’re fully covered for breakdowns and other setbacks when touring France and Europe. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
What is a Crit’Air Sticker?
In France, Crit’Air stickers are called Crit’Air vignettes – though you might prefer to think of them as French clean air stickers. You place it on the right hand side of the windscreen of your campervan or motorhome to denote your vehicle’s pollutant emission levels, based on the Euro emissions standard.
Crit’Air Categories
There are six categories of Crit’Air stickers:
- Green 0/E – For zero emission vehicles, including EVs and hydrogen vehicles.
- Purple 1 – For plug-in hybrid vehicles, and Euro 5 and 6 petrol vehicles.
- Yellow 2 – For Euro 4 petrol vehicles and Euro 5 and 6 diesel vehicles.
- Orange 3 – For Euro 2 and 3 petrol vehicles, and Euro 4 diesel vehicles.
- Burgundy 4 – For Euro 3 diesel vehicles.
- Grey 5 – For Euro 2 diesel vehicles.
What Are Crit’Air Stickers For?
Crit’Air stickers are a means of controlling harmful vehicle emissions in areas with poor air quality. As the UK has Clean Air Zones, France has two different types of low emissions zones:
- ZCR – Zone à Circulation Restreinte. This is a permanent low-emission zone.
- ZPA – Zone de la Protection de l’Air. This is a temporary or emergency low-emission zone. The authorities might introduce a ZPA for a set period of time if air pollution levels reach a certain level.
Do I Need a Crit’Air Sticker?
You will need to display a relevant Crit’Air sticker in the windscreen of your campervan or motorhome if you plan to drive through any of France’s low emission zones.
Where are Crit’Air Stickers Required?
France has a number of low-emission zones, these include:
- Aix-Marseille-Provence region
- Bordeaux
- Clermont-Ferrand
- Grenoble
- Lille
- Lyon
- Nice
- Marseille
- Montpellier
- Paris
- Reims
- Rouen
- Strasbourg
- Saint-Etienne
- Toulouse
Penalties for Not Displaying Crit’Air Sticker
If you don’t display a Crit’Air sticker when driving around these areas, then you could face a fine of up to €180.
If your vehicle exceeds certain emission levels, then you may not be allowed to drive in certain areas at all. Check in advance, and plan alternative routes if need be.
It might be a good idea to get a Crit’Air sticker regardless of where you plan on travelling. This will allow you to be flexible in your routes, and you never know when you might encounter a temporary ZPA on your travels.
What Sort of Crit’Air Sticker Do I Need?
Crit’Air stickers are based on your vehicle’s European Emissions Standard. There’s a handy guide for finding out what category your vehicle’s in on the RAC site.
How to Get a Crit’air Sticker
Once you know what sort of Crit’Air sticker you need, you’ll have to order your sticker directly from the French government. This should cost you around €4, including postage.
You will have to upload a scan of your campervan or motorhome’s V5C registration form as part of the application process. Also note that it can take up to six weeks for your sticker to arrive! This is why it pays to plan these things as far in advance as possible.
Further Guidance For Your French Campervan or Motorhome Trip
We have numerous guides to help you ensure your French campervan or motorhome trip is as straightforward and stress-free as possible:
- Aires in France – everything you need to know.
- What food can I take to France and Europe in my motorhome?
- A guide to taking a motorhome on the Eurotunnel.
- How much does it cost to travel Europe in a campervan or motorhome?
Make Sure You’re Covered For Your European Trip!
At Anthony Jones, we can help you ensure you’re fully covered for breakdowns and other setbacks when touring France and Europe. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
