From January 1, 2025, any vehicle circulating within the Nantes ring road must have a “Crit’Air” sticker. This measure applies as part of the establishment of the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) of Nantes Métropole. This air quality certificate allows vehicles to be classified according to their level of emissions of fine particles and nitrogen oxides into the air. Vehicles are classified from 1 to 6: the higher the number, the more polluting the vehicle is considered.
What is a Low Emission Zone?
the principle of a Low Emission Zone (ZFE) is to limit the circulation of the most polluting vehicles within a defined perimeter and according to specific time slots. By 2025, the 43 French cities with more than 150,000 inhabitants must have established a Low Emission Zone.
During the metropolitan council of December 14, 2023, Nantes Métropole recorded the establishment of its ZFE within the broader framework of its metropolitan air quality action plan.
The perimeter of the Low Emission Zone in Nantes (click to enlarge)
How does the Low Emission Zone work?
Circulation in the ZFE of vehicles not classified on the Crit’Air scale are prohibited during peak hours during the week, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. By “unclassified” vehicles we mean the oldest:
- motorized two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles put into circulation before June 1, 2000
- cars put into service before January 1, 1997
- light utility vehicles put into service before October 1, 1997
- heavy goods vehicles put into service before October 1, 2001.
Its scope includes all inside the Nantes ring road. The expressways (N844, A844, A11 and A811) are excluded to allow through traffic, as well as park and ride facilities.
The Cirt’Air sticker is attached to the front windshield of the vehicle.
How do I obtain my Crit’air sticker?
To obtain your sticker, go to certificate-air.gouv.fr. An online simulator allows you to identify the level of pollutant emissions from your vehicle.
The cost of the sticker is €3.11 + €0.66 postage, or €3.77.
