Air quality in Paris

Everything you need to know about air quality in Paris, the Crit'air sticker and the measures taken by the city to combat air pollution

Since 1954, the air in Paris is being constantly monitored, a job entrusted since 1979 to the [AIRPARIF] organization, under the authorization of the Department for the Environment. The quality of the air is displayed on a daily basis on electronic boards throughout the city, on a scale from 1 (very good) to 10 (very poor) corresponding to international standards set down by the OMS and the European Commission.

The mandatory Crit’Air certificate

Since 1 July 2017, Paris is a limited traffic zone. All vehicles circulating in the capital (in the area within the périphérique ring road) must display the Crit'Air sticker, which has a number ranging from 0 to 5 that corresponds to the vehicle’s environmental classification. Drivers not displaying a sticker risk being fined. In the event of pollution peaks, certain categories of vehicles may be banned from circulating at certain times.

If you want to drive your own vehicle in Paris, you must order your Crit’air certificate on the French government website.

When levels of pollution are high, the population is alerted by the media. These warnings concern in particular anyone with existing conditions, children, older people, or pregnant women. At the same time we are advised against outdoor sporting activities. Despite these occasional warnings, consultation of yearly statistics indicates an air quality that is generally good.

If you would like to know more about the air quality control in the Ile-de-France region, visit the web site of AIRPARIF.

Steps taken

Among the steps taken by the City of Paris to fight against atmospheric pollution, can be highlighted: the increase in environmental-friendly municipal vehicles and buses (electricity or natural gas), bicycle paths, 'green' districts with reduced traffic, more convivial public areas along the busier routes, as well as public transport improvements including the installation of exclusive bus lanes and the tram project for the ring-roads. The local authorities also encourage Parisians to use public transport as much as possible, and develop the activities of cycling and rollerblading.

When pollution levels are high, the police authorities may decide to alternate the use of cars, lower speed limits, keep coaches out of the city centre, or to impose free use of public transport in the region.