It's the big day! On January 1, 2025, the third stage of the low emissions-mobility zone (ZFE-m) of the Greater Paris Metropolis (MGP) comes into force. This plan, deployed since 2019, aims to reduce air pollution emissions emitted by road traffic by accelerating the renewal of the vehicle fleet.
Concretely, what does this new stage change? In theory, after the ban on Crit'Air 5 vehicles (diesel vehicles registered between 1997 and 2000) and that of Crit'Air 4 (diesel vehicles dating from 2001 to 2005), it is the turn of the Crit'Air 3 ( gasoline before 2006 and diesel before 2011) to no longer have the right to drive within the MGP weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In what area and at what times are the Crit'Air 3s no longer allowed to operate?
Just like the Crit'Air 5 and 4, the Crit'Air 3 are now prohibited from circulation within the perimeter delimited by the A86 (A 86 excluded). Or on the territory of 77 municipalities of Île-de-France, in the inner suburbs of Paris. This ban concerns weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Are there any exceptions, for example to go shopping or visit your grandmother in the countryside?
This is possible on weekends and public holidays, as well as in the evening on weekdays, after 8 p.m. In addition, individuals who need to travel during the week can request a ZFE pass from the MGP. This sesame will allow them to drive without any time restrictions in the ZFE 24 days a year.
It can be requested by owners of Crit'Air 3, 4, 5. To obtain it, you must connect to the platform just set up by the MGP or make the request in writing (with a copy of the vehicle registration document) to the following address: Métropole du Grand Paris, 15-19, avenue Pierre-Mendès-France 75013 Paris.
Please note, presenting the pass alone will not be enough. You will need to activate it 24 hours before the date on which you wish to travel, by connecting to the MGP platform.
I work odd hours and public transport does not work. Impossible for me to change vehicle. How to get around without risking being fined?
The metropolitan council has decided to put in place a whole series of exemptions (22 in total) for certain professional categories. To be eligible, you must submit a request on the platform opened by the MGP.
I bought a new courier for my work but it will only be delivered to me in a few weeks, what should I do?
All you need to do is request an exemption on the MGP platform and present proof of purchase of your new vehicle in the event of an inspection.
What are the risks of driving a Crit'Air 3 vehicle despite the ban?
In theory, you therefore do not have the right to use this vehicle on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. But this year there will be no fines for offenders. The metropolitan council has decided to make 2025 a year of education. As the machines for automatic checks are not yet installed, from January 1 to December 31, 2025 only spot and informative checks will be organized by the police.
Offending drivers will then be made aware of the new rules and will be reminded that their vehicle is theoretically prohibited from driving and that they will eventually have to change cars.
When will vehicles banned from circulation start to be fined?
During the year 2026, the machines allowing controls will be deployed, prohibited vehicles will then be liable to a fine of 68 euros. But if the owners of Crit'Air 3, 4 or 5 have requested a ZFE pass authorizing them to drive without restriction 24 days a year, they will still be able to use these “freedom” days since the pass is valid for a period of three years.
I don't have my Crit'Air sticker yet, where can I get it?
The sticker remains essential for all vehicles circulating or parking in the ZFE. To obtain it (it costs 3.81 euros, including shipping), you must connect to the website of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion. It will be sent to you by mail within a few days. Please note, the absence of a Crit'Air sticker on your windshield can result in a 4th class fine, i.e. 68 euros.
If my vehicle is new and “clean”, do I still have to put a sticker on my windshield?
Absolutely. All vehicles, even 100% electric and hydrogen vehicles, must be stamped with a sticker. In the event of a pollution peak, these allow law enforcement to quickly and visually check which category your vehicle belongs to.
The ecological bonus has been reduced and the conversion bonus no longer exists. Are there other supports you can count on to buy a less polluting vehicle?
Yes, you can contact the Greater Paris Metropolis, which is maintaining its support for the purchase of less polluting vehicles until at least February with its “Metropole drives clean” system.
The Île-de-France region is also putting in place financial boosts but only for retrofit, a technique which consists of giving a second life to old thermal vehicles by converting them to electric.
