Grand Paris Eases Restrictions on High-Pollution Vehicles in Low Emission Zone Rollout

The 2025 ban on Crit'Air 3 vehicles includes exemptions, a 24-day pass, and a year-long grace period as automated enforcement lags behind.

Starting January 1, 2025, Crit'Air 3 vehicles, including older diesel and gasoline cars, will be banned in the Grand Paris Low Emission Zone (ZFE) during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Drivers of Crit'Air 3 vehicles will be allowed 24 days of unrestricted access annually through a '24-hour pass,' adding to weekend exemptions for a total of 139 days per year.
A one-year 'pedagogical phase' will delay automated enforcement, with no fines issued until 2026, prompting criticism from officials over the lack of immediate controls.
Twenty-two professional and social categories, such as night-shift workers and market suppliers, will qualify for exemptions, with applications required through a dedicated platform starting in January.
The state has reduced subsidies for vehicle upgrades, raising concerns about the social and economic impact of the ZFE on lower-income households and small businesses.