Your Questions, Answered

  • A Crit’Air sticker, also known as a French Clean Air Certificate, is a colour-coded emissions sticker required for driving in certain French cities and Low Emission Zones (ZFE).

    The sticker classifies vehicles based on their emissions level and helps regulate pollution in urban areas. Driving in restricted zones without a valid Crit’Air sticker may result in fines or access restrictions.

  • Most applications are processed within a few hours. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a digital confirmation certificate by email as proof that your vehicle has been registered on the official system. In most cases this is received within a few hours, although please allow up to one working day during busy periods.

    Your physical Crit’Air sticker is typically delivered within 1–3 weeks, depending on postal services and delivery location.

    You are generally able to travel once your vehicle has been successfully registered and you have received your digital confirmation certificate, even if the physical sticker has not yet arrived.

  • Once your application has been processed, your physical sticker is typically delivered within 1–3 weeks depending on international postal times.

    If your sticker has not arrived before your trip, you are generally still able to travel as long as you have received your digital confirmation certificate showing your vehicle has been registered on the official system.

    You may choose to print the digital confirmation or keep a copy on your phone while travelling.

  • A Crit’Air sticker is required to legally drive in designated Low Emission Zones (ZFE/ZCR) and certain urban areas across France, particularly during periods of high pollution.

    The scheme applies to both French residents and foreign-registered vehicles, including UK drivers travelling to France.

    Driving in restricted zones without a valid Crit’Air sticker may result in fines, restrictions, or denied access to certain cities and roads.

  • Crit’Air stickers are required in many French cities and Low Emission Zones (ZFE), including areas such as Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse, Strasbourg and more.

    These zones have been introduced to help improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions in urban areas.

    Once issued, your Crit’Air sticker is valid across all French cities and regions where Crit’Air regulations apply. Restrictions may vary depending on location and pollution levels, so drivers should always check local regulations before travelling.

  • Yes. If your windscreen has been replaced, you will need to apply for a new Crit’Air sticker.

  • No. Replacement stickers are not issued. A new application must be submitted to obtain another Crit’Air sticker.

  • Vehicles are classified based on factors such as fuel type, vehicle type, and registration date. Categories range from Crit’Air 0 (electric and hydrogen vehicles) to Crit’Air 5 (older, higher-emission vehicles).

    Simply upload your V5C document during the application process and we will determine the appropriate category for your vehicle.

  • Applying for your Crit’Air Pass is simple:

    1. Complete the online application form

    2. Upload a clear image of your V5C document

    3. Submit your application securely online

    4. We review and submit the application on your behalf

    5. Receive confirmation and your Crit’Air sticker by post

  • Most applications are processed within the same day, although during busy periods this may take up to two working days.

    Once processed, you will receive a digital confirmation certificate showing your vehicle has been registered on the official system. As long as you have received this confirmation, you are generally able to travel even if the physical sticker has not yet arrived.

    Physical stickers are typically delivered within 1–3 weeks depending on postal times.

    If your sticker has not arrived within the expected timeframe, please contact our support team and we will assist you.

  • No. Each Crit’Air sticker is issued specifically for one vehicle and registration number. A separate application is required for each vehicle.

  • The Crit’Air sticker should be placed on the inside of the windscreen in the lower right-hand corner (passenger side), ensuring it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWd0N_ip9EI

  • Yes. Foreign-registered vehicles, including UK vehicles, are also required to display a valid Crit’Air sticker when driving within applicable French Low Emission Zones.

  • Driving within a restricted French Low Emission Zone without a valid Crit’Air sticker may result in fines ranging from approximately €68 to €180, depending on the vehicle type and circumstances.

  • No. Crit’Air stickers cannot typically be purchased on arrival in France and should be ordered before travelling.

  • Unfortunately, Crit’Air applications are non-refundable once processing has begun or the application has been submitted.

  • Certain older vehicles may be exempt from Crit’Air requirements. Generally, vehicles registered before January 1997 and motorcycles or scooters registered before June 2000 are not eligible for a Crit’Air classification and may be restricted from entering certain zones.

    Drivers should always check the latest local regulations before travelling.

  • During the application process, you will be asked to upload a clear image of the front and back of your V5C document. All text and details must be fully visible and readable to avoid delays.

  • If you need assistance with your application, our customer support team can be contacted by email at:

    📧 support@critairsticker.co.uk