Since January 1, 2025, certain vehicles are no longer authorized to circulate in the metropolis of Montpellier: Crit'Air 3 and above. This is a new stage in the installation of ZFEs in France. Vignette, fine, request for exemption… France 3 explains everything to you.
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Since January 1, 2025, certain vehicles can no longer circulate in the metropolis of Montpellier. Indeed, France is entering a new phase of its low emissions zone (ZFE).
These ZFEs are the result of the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM) passed in 2019. They exist in 35 cities in France and 320 in Europe. Their objective: to reduce the impact of pollution on the health of residents in large cities.
Until now, vehicles of Crit'Air 4 and above were prohibited from circulation in eleven municipalities in the Montpellier conurbation. In 2025, the Crit'Air 3 will be added to this list.
Which vehicles are affected?
Crit'Air 3 are vehicles registered between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 for diesel engines. Regarding gasoline engines, the regulations include vehicles registered between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2005. Of course, the ZFE already prohibits all transport registered before 2006 and 1997.
The different Crit'Air vehicles depending on their year of registration.
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© Montpellier Metropolis
It doesn't matter if you're a truck or a car, it's not about size or weight. ZFEs impose restrictions aimed at limiting emissions of fine particles and nitrogen oxides, two pollutants dangerous to health.
If you do not meet these criteria, you must still stick a Crit'Air sticker on your windshield. It can be ordered on the government website for €3.72. Note that all French people, including tourists passing through Montpellier, are affected by this measure.
What is the perimeter?
Eleven municipalities in the Montpellier conurbation are affected by the ZFE. It's about Castelnau-le-Lez, Clapiers, Grabels, Jacou, Juvignac, Lattes, Le Crès, Montpellier, Pérols, Saint-Jean-de-Védas and Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone.
2 phases of application depending on the perimeter concerned by the Montpellier ZFE. Zone 1 comes into force on July 1, 2022.
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© Montpellier 3M
In 2026, the measure will extend to 31 municipalities.
Any privileges?
However, certain vehicles classified Crit'Air 3 will be able to continue to circulate in the urban area. These are those marked “parking for disabled people”, vehicles of general interest (emergency, municipal police, firefighter, etc.), low-emission public transport vehicles and Ministry of Defense vehicles.
It is also possible to request an exemption if you are a “small driver”, in other words, if you travel less than 8,000 kilometers per year. To do this, you must provide a certificate to the city or technical inspection certificates showing the mileage of your vehicle in recent years.
Motorcycles are outside of these regulations in Montpellier. The metropolis accepted the proposal from the French federation of angry motorcyclists of Hérault consisting of removing the obligation for Cirt'Air motorcycle stickers, taking into account the specificity of two motorized wheels.
Finally, certain vehicles may request authorization to travel in the ZFE for 52 days or less per year, regardless of their sticker. You can inform online in advance the days you plan to go there. In the event of an emergency – a trip to the hospital for example, you will be able to contest the fine with proof.
What are the risks?
The stickers will be checked using camera radars which have not yet been installed in the city. Verbalizations can only be made once the corresponding traffic signs are in place.
The ZFEs speak of an “educational period”, to give motorists time to prepare for the restrictive framework.
Example of an announcement sign for entry into an ZFE, with authorized vehicles and stickers – 2022.
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© FTV
Several elected officials from municipalities in the Montpellier metropolis have also requested a postponement of this new stage of the ZFE, denouncing this legislative vagueness. They plan to meet on February 13, 2025 to discuss this subject. Until then, no signs will be installed and therefore no fines can be inflicted.
However, if the signs were to appear in the city, motorists who do not comply with the regulations will be exposed to a fixed fine of €68, which could amount to 135€ for a heavy goods vehicle, a bus or a coach.
