Crit air

[tattybogle]

Is it mandatory to have a crit air sticker in France? It will be our first time there and may stray into the wrong placed. Any help is appreciated. TIA

 

[DBK]

No, unless you plan on going into the centre of a few big cities.

It is cheap to get so I suggest you get one as we have. But stick it on the windscreen in the right place, which we didn't. The right place is on the bottom right hand corner of the windscreen when viewed from the inside of the vehicle. Or bottom left when viewed from the front.

 

[tattybogle]

Thank you good to know

 

[Figaro]

Here's a link to the official site, there are scam sites charging 40 euros

Le site officiel de la vignette Crit'Air (certificat qualité de l'air) - Ministère de la Transition écologique

Le seul site officiel à délivrer la vignette Crit'Air (certificat qualité de l'air), établie en fonction des émissions polluantes du véhicule.

www.certificat-air.gouv.fr

 

[tattybogle]

Thank you Figaro

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[Grianan]

We got one as it was so cheap but had no intention of needing it. That was until some dodgy navigation resulted in us driving along the side of the Seine in Paris. Was glad we had it then!

 

[tattybogle]

At the risk of seeming dim I'm not sure what the point of it is

 

[dunnah01]

At the risk of seeming dim I'm not sure what the point of it is

It's an environmental levy based on how polluting your engine is. It typically costs about a fiver for the life of the vehicle. The UK equivalent is the LEZ charge - £50-£100 per day!

 

[The Wino]

At the risk of seeming dim I'm not sure what the point of it is

There are two points. One is that in times of high pollution it means cities can easily set a target for excluding more polluting vehicles and monitor whether those in the city meet the emissions requirements. The other is to comply with the rules of the country you're visiting!
As others have said they're pretty cheap and it's no big hassle.

 

[The Wino]

This is from the Renault website

What is the Crit’Air certificate used for?​

The Crit’Air certificate is used in large French urban conurbations in France where Low Emissions Zones (LEZs) are in place. These zones are sometimes called “zones à circulation restreinte” (restricted driving zones) when permanent (such as the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone in London), or “circulation différenciée” (alternate driving) when due to a spike in pollution levels. This limits access to certain zones to vehicles with a minimum Crit’Air air quality level (for example, access up to level 3, but levels 4 and 5 are prohibited.) Certain local authorities have also implemented advantages for less polluting vehicles (free parking etc.) while fines can reach up to 450 euros.

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[jongood]

There are two points. One is that in times of high pollution it means cities can easily set a target for excluding more polluting vehicles and monitor whether those in the city meet the emissions requirements. The other is to comply with the rules of the country you're visiting!
As others have said they're pretty cheap and it's no big hassle.

The main point against is that you re voluntarily entering your details on the French system which will make it much easier for them to pursue you for minor infractions. Not that i'm advocating intentionally flouting local laws but if you take the crit air legislation as a for instance unless you have some knowledge of french it would be quite difficult for you to know when you re breaking it. Btw Asfaik to date it has yet to be enacted.

 

[TDub49]

Just get one - cheap as chips and easy too apply for on line (you do need to be able to photograph or scan the relevant page of your V5 though).

 

[tattybogle]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I have now applied for one

 

[Puddleduck]

We got one for France and the equivalent German sticker.

Not required as it happened but so cheap as to be silly not to have it.

 

[Billylou]

Is it possible to buy a Crit Air sticker whilst in France? Many thanks

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[TDub49]

Is it possible to buy a Crit Air sticker whilst in France? Many thanks

I would imagine so - I bought the German equivalent whilst in Aaschen but you do need your V5 to do it.

 

[MisterB]

Is it possible to buy a Crit Air sticker whilst in France? Many thanks

yes, as you do it all on line BUT the sticker will usually be sent to your home address - but as the vehicle details will be 'on the system' and you will have an email showing confirmation/compliance - it MAY suffice as a temporary solution to any challenge?

 

[Itsmcb]

Don't forget that the stickers have different numbers depending on the age of your van or how polluting your engine is. Just having a sticker doesn't allow you to drive into any city or area, you need the correct number sticker, usually 3 or less. If your number is too high it marks you as not allowed in. If your van is too old it won't qualify for a sticker at all.