Crit’Air vignettes are still needed in France even after MPs vote to axe low-emission zones
Whilst the end may be in sight for Crit’Air vignettes after MPs voted to abolish France’s low-emission zones (ZFE), the change is not yet law.
Drivers in France must still display a Crit’Air air quality vignette where required.
For the latest information, please consult the following website : https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/
and click here for further info:
The vote by MPs, passed late on Wednesday 28th May 2025, as part of a broader economic simplification bill, signals a political U-turn on ZFE, which had been one of the flagship measures of France’s 2021 Climat et Résilience law.
MPs from across the political spectrum – including the far-right Rassemblement National, conservative Les Républicains, and left-wing La France Insoumise – backed a full repeal of ZFE obligations, rejecting a government compromise that would have limited the zones to Paris and Lyon.
Despite the vote, nothing has changed on the ground at the time of posting this page on the 8th September 2026!!
Crit’Air stickers remain mandatory in cities that enforce ZFE restrictions, including Bordeaux, Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
Drivers without them still risk fines of up to €135.
The process to end the ZFE system could take quite a while. The Senate must now debate the full bill, which includes more than 600 proposed amendments, after which it could still be blocked.
Original Post by Ian Birrs 06/2025 (updated by Gary Brooks 09/2026 on creation of Page)