Anyone traveling to France this summer by RV, trailer, or car should continue to be aware of France’s environmental zones for the time being. Hopes that the well-known Crit'Air environmental sticker would be phased out have been dashed for now. A decision by the French Constitutional Council has ensured that the existing regulations remain in effect.
End of Environmental Zones Postponed
Previously, it seemed that France would be phasing out its low-emission zones (ZFE). After all, the French parliament had voted to abolish the system. However, that decision was reversed after the Constitutional Council ruled that the measure had not been legally incorporated into the relevant legislation. As a result, the current environmental zones will remain in place for the time being.
Everything stays the same
So nothing will change for vacationers. The Crit'Air sticker remains mandatory in many French cities and regions where an environmental zone is in effect. Anyone who enters a zone without a valid sticker still risks a fine.
Also important for Belgian campers
For many Belgian campers, the route to southern France passes through cities such as Lille, Paris, or Lyon. It is precisely in these cities that environmental zones are often in effect year-round. Even those visiting a city as part of a road trip would be wise to check in advance what local rules apply.
Furthermore, since 2025, low-emission zones have been mandatory in all French cities with more than 150,000 residents. As a result, the number of such zones has expanded significantly in recent years, and an increasing number of travelers are affected by them.
Crit'Air remains necessary
The Crit'Air sticker is linked to the vehicle's license plate and remains valid as long as that license plate number does not change. For those who travel to France regularly, it is therefore a one-time investment that will remain valid for years.
Although the political debate in France will undoubtedly continue, one thing is clear: the environmental zones and the Crit'Air sticker will remain in effect for the 2026 vacation season. So if you’re heading to France soon, you’d best not cross the environmental sticker off your checklist just yet.