British motorists warned of driving a petrol or diesel car in France as they could face massive fines
Thousands of British drivers could be hit with expensive charges this summer if they travel to Europe and drive a petrol or diesel vehicle.
New data has found that two-thirds of drivers are unaware that their vehicles need an emissions sticker to enter Low Emission Zones seen across France.
With the Summer Olympics and Paralympics taking place across Paris this year, many Britons are expected to make the short journey across the Channel to watch the sporting event.
However, many of these could be at risk of being slapped with hefty fines if their cars are particularly polluting, as most major cities continue to roll out emissions-based charging zones.
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The Crit’Air stickers denote the emissions output of a vehicle
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The Paris Low Emission Zone contains the area within the capital inside the Boulevard periphérique ring road, and generally runs between 8am and 8pm
To enter the city, drivers will need to have at least Crit’Air sticker 3 – the equivalent of Euro 2 and 3 for petrol vehicles, and Euro 4 diesel.
The Crit’Air stickers are air quality certificates and denote the emissions output of the vehicles. They are required to drive inside several major cities across the country
Drivers looking to travel to France will need to apply on the French Government website to order their Crit’Air sticker.
They will need a legible photo or scan of their registration certificate, as well as an initial cost of €3.11 (£2.65) and €1.65 (£1.39) postage.
There are five numbered categories ranging from the most polluting heavy goods vehicles – 5 – down to newly registered petrol and diesel vehicles which are category 1.
There is a separate green sticker for all 100 per cent electric and hydrogen cars, small vans and motorcycles.
Karen Baurboux, channel passenger director at DFDS, urged drivers to take matters seriously and make sure they are protected from charges before they travel.
She added: “The great news is that obtaining a Crit’Air sticker for Paris is a relatively simple and affordable process.
“UK drivers can visit the official website Certificat-air.gouv.fr to complete their application. However, caution is advised, as there are other websites that may attempt to overcharge unsuspecting users.”
Penalties on offer for motorists who fail to attach the Crit’Air sticker to their vehicle include €68 (£57) for cars and €135 (£113) for HGVs and buses.
Paris 2024 organisers stated that British people have purchased more than 500,000 tickets for the Olympics – more than any country other than France.
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While electric cars do need a Crit’Air sticker, they are free to drive anywhere at any time
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Baurboux also reassured drivers that they would not need to renew the ticket for every trip, with the sticker remaining valid for the vehicle’s entire lifespan.
