What is a Crit-Air Sticker?
The Certificat qualité de l’air (or Crit’Air sticker) is an air quality certificate used by the French Ministry of Ecology to identify vehicles according to the emission levels they produce. This round colorful sticker is placing in the corner of one’s windshield. The system boasts six different levels, including Electric, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Levels 4 and 5 are considered very high emissions and are typically very old cars, while the Electric level is the most environmentally friendly.
This system is used to reduce the overall pollution in Rennes and other cities in France. The country is split into several different emissions zones called Restricted Driving Zones. Typically, these zones are in areas of France that have very high air pollution– usually tight, packed cities. Only the most environmentally friendly vehicles can access this area during days of intensive pollution.
The Crit’Air system may seem inconvenient, but it is designed to improve the air quality and France and benefits individuals who invest in low-emissions vehicles.
Do I Have to Have a Crit-Air Sticker When Driving in Rennes?
Yes. If you do not have a Crit’Air sticker that is easily visible on your windshield, then you could be fined up to 450 euros. You could also be fined for operating a level 4 or level 5 vehicle in restricted pollution areas.
There are some serious benefits to the Crit-Air sticker when driving in Rennes, however. Owners of electric cars and sometimes level 1 cars (considered the most environmentally-friendly combustion-based vehicles, usually hybrid vehicles) can enjoy a number of different benefits. Such benefits include free parking in some areas of Rennes and access to restricted driving zones.