Editorial revision: 19 October 2026

Paris ZFE and Crit’Air: rules for your trip

Before driving to Paris, check your vehicle’s class, route and travel times. The Greater Paris ZFE also applies to foreign vehicles and is separate from the central limited-traffic zone.

Short answer

Crit’Air classes 3, 4, 5 and unclassified vehicles are subject to restrictions. Crit’Air 3 has been included since 1 January 2025. The Métropole’s educational period runs through 31 December 2026, with occasional informational checks: restrictions remain in force, not a permission to enter.

  • Light vehicles: Monday–Friday, about 08:00–20:00, excluding public holidays; check the order
  • Heavy vehicles, buses and coaches: every day, about 08:00–20:00; check the order
  • The A86 is outside the zone; also check the roads you take after leaving it

Editorial revision: 19 October 2026· Métropole du Grand Paris · Crit’Air

Required
Crit’Air sticker
Indicative cost
France / overseas postage
Boundary
Inside A86, A86 excluded
2026 checks
Occasional and informational

Check your route and public transport alternatives

The Métropole source includes the official ZFE map. Our transport map shows métro and RER options: it does not certify that a car park or the route to it is outside the ZFE.

Open the Paris transport map →

Where and when does the ZFE apply?

The boundary covers Paris and municipalities inside the A86 ring; the A86 motorway itself is excluded. Leaving the A86 may take you into the zone. Check the whole route on the official map, not just your hotel or car park address.

Cars, light commercial vehicles and powered two-wheelers follow the weekday hours above; heavy vehicles, buses and coaches are also restricted at weekends and on public holidays. Foreign vehicles are covered, and the Métropole says the sticker is also required when parked during restricted hours. Check the official conditions for any exemption.

Which Crit’Air classes are restricted?

  1. Crit’Air 0 — electric and hydrogen vehicles: not subject to the current ZFE class ban; other access and parking rules still apply.
  2. Crit’Air 1 and 2 — not subject to the current ZFE class ban. Check the actual classification on the Crit’Air site rather than inferring it only from the car’s age.
  3. Crit’Air 3 — restricted since 1 January 2025. The educational period does not make this class authorised.
  4. Crit’Air 4, 5 and unclassified — restricted during the hours applicable to the vehicle type, unless an applicable exemption is in place.

How to obtain a Crit’Air sticker

  1. 1. Use the official certificat-air.gouv.fr site and classification simulator. For a foreign vehicle, prepare a legible photo or scan of the registration certificate; check with your rental company first for a hire car.
  2. 2. The portal lists about €3.85 including delivery in France and about €5.11 for the foreign-vehicle procedure with delivery outside France. These are indicative amounts consulted for this revision: check the total before paying.
  3. 3. Order before travelling and check delivery information with the official service: do not assume arrival by an unconfirmed date. A postal application is also available for vehicles registered in France.
  4. 4. Follow the official instructions for attaching the sticker. Obtaining one does not grant access if your vehicle’s class is restricted.

Restrictions, checks and exemptions are different

  • The educational period is extended through 31 December 2026. The order postpones organised ZFE penalties until 2027 while retaining restrictions: we do not promise freedom from fines for every offence or situation.
  • The Métropole’s order says automated penalty enforcement cannot be operational in 2026. We therefore do not describe camera-issued fines as already active or guarantee a future launch date.
  • A ZFE Pass or exemption is not automatic: read the conditions, apply and check your authorised dates. A hotel or car park booking does not replace an exemption.
  • Additional prefectural measures may apply during pollution episodes. For central Paris, also check the ZTL rules: this is separate from the ZFE.

See also

Paris Transport Map →Restricted Zones →Toilets Near Me Paris →Paris Water Fountains →Paris Metro Guide →Paris Home →

FAQ

›Do foreign and rental cars need a sticker?
The ZFE also applies to foreign-registered vehicles. Order the sticker from the official service; for a rental, check the vehicle’s class and sticker with the rental company. Hiring a car does not itself provide an exemption.
›How much does a Crit’Air sticker cost?
2. The portal lists about €3.85 including delivery in France and about €5.11 for the foreign-vehicle procedure with delivery outside France. These are indicative amounts consulted for this revision: check the total before paying.
›Are automated checks and camera fines active in 2026?
The educational period is extended through 31 December 2026. The order postpones organised ZFE penalties until 2027 while retaining restrictions: we do not promise freedom from fines for every offence or situation. The Métropole’s order says automated penalty enforcement cannot be operational in 2026. We therefore do not describe camera-issued fines as already active or guarantee a future launch date.
›Can Crit’Air 3 vehicles travel without restrictions?
Crit’Air 3 — restricted since 1 January 2025. The educational period does not make this class authorised.
›Is the A86 part of the ZFE?
The boundary covers Paris and municipalities inside the A86 ring; the A86 motorway itself is excluded. Leaving the A86 may take you into the zone. Check the whole route on the official map, not just your hotel or car park address.

Official sources

Sources consulted for this editorial revision; this is not an on-site check or a live update. Check official rules before travelling.