Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything you need to know about vignettes and low-emissions stickers
General
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France - Crit'Air sticker
What is a Crit'Air sticker?
A Crit’Air sticker, also known as a Clean Air Certificate, is a colour-coded vignette required for vehicles driving in certain French cities. It classifies vehicles based on their emissions, promoting environmental sustainability by reducing pollution in urban areas.
Why do I need a Crit'Air sticker?
You need a Crit’Air sticker to legally drive in designated low-emission zones (ZCR) and certain urban areas during pollution peaks in France. This includes both residents and foreign visitors. Not having one can result in fines and restricted access.
Where can I use a Crit'Air sticker?
Crit’Air stickers are used in various French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, and Lille, among others. These cities have established low-emission zones to improve air quality. Check local regulations for specific zones and restrictions. Once obtained, your Crit’Air sticker is valid in all French cities that have implemented LEZs.
How do I determine which Crit'Air category my vehicle belongs to?
Vehicles are categorised based on their type, fuel, and date of registration. Categories range from 0 (electric and hydrogen vehicles) to 5 (older, more polluting vehicles). Simply upload your V5C and we will determine your vehicle category.
How do I apply for a Crit'Air sticker?
Applying for a Crit’Air Sticker is simple:
- Visit our order page.
- Enter your vehicle details.
- Provide necessary documentation (e.g., vehicle registration).
- Complete the payment process.
- Your sticker will be mailed to you.
How long does it take to receive my Crit'Air sticker?
What should I do if I don't receive my Crit'Air sticker before my trip?
Within 24 hours of placing your order you will receive a digital certificate which you can print and display in your windscreen. If you don’t receive your sticker within the expected timeframe, please contact our customer support team. We’ll assist you in tracking your order and ensuring you receive your sticker.
Can I use the same Crit'Air sticker on multiple vehicles?
No, each Crit’Air sticker is specific to the vehicle for which it was issued. You must obtain a separate sticker for each vehicle.
Where should I place the Crit'Air sticker on my vehicle?
The Crit’Air sticker should be placed on the inside of the windshield, in the lower right-hand corner (passenger side). Ensure it is visible from the outside.
Are foreign vehicles required to display a Crit'Air sticker?
Yes, foreign-registered vehicles are also required to display a Crit’Air sticker when driving in French low-emission zones. You can apply for a sticker using your vehicle’s registration details.
What are the penalties for driving without a Crit'Air sticker?
Driving in a low-emission zone without a valid Crit’Air sticker can result in fines ranging from €68 to €135. Repeated violations can lead to higher penalties.
Can I buy a Crit’Air sticker upon arrival in France?
No, there is no option to purchase a Crit’Air sticker in France. You must order it online.
Can I get a refund if I no longer need the Crit'Air sticker?
Unfortunately, Crit’Air stickers are non-refundable. Once issued, they cannot be canceled or refunded.
Do classic cars need a Crit’Air sticker?
Vehicles registered before January 1997 and motorbikes or scooters registered before June 2000 are exempt because they are not allowed to enter the zones where restrictions apply.
How do I upload my V5C document?
We have a dedicated webpage with full instructions on how to upload your V5C.
Switzerland - e-Vignette
Can I use one e-vignette for multiple vehicles?
No, each e-vignette is linked to a specific license plate and can only be used for vehicles bearing that registration number. However, if you have Swiss interchangeable plates (where one plate can be used on multiple vehicles), a single e-vignette covers all vehicles using that plate.
Do motorcycles need a separate vignette?
Yes, motorcycles traveling on Swiss motorways must have their own vignette. The price is the same as for cars.
Do I need a vignette for my trailer or caravan?
Yes, trailers and caravans require their own separate e-vignette, even when towed by a vehicle that already has one.
What if I change my vehicle during the year?
If you keep the same license plate (possible in Switzerland with interchangeable plates), your e-vignette automatically transfers to your new vehicle. If you receive new plates with a new vehicle, you’ll need to purchase a new vignette.
How do I prove I have a valid e-vignette?
You don’t need to display any physical proof. Your license plate registration in the Swiss database serves as verification. Keep your email confirmation accessible for reference.
Is the e-vignette valid immediately after purchase?
The e-vignette becomes valid immediately after you receive an email from us with details of your registration.
Can international visitors purchase an e-vignette?
Absolutely. The e-vignette is available for vehicles registered in any country. Simply enter your country of registration and license plate number during the purchase process.
Are there vignettes for shorter periods?
No, Switzerland only offers annual vignettes valid for 14 months. Daily, weekly, and monthly options are not available.
Can I renew my vignette from last year?
No, a new vignette must be purchased each year.
What if I entered the wrong details when ordering the vignette?
Corrections are generally not possible, but please contact us for assistance.
Can I get a refund if I don't need the vignette?
No, the vignette is non-refundable.
Geneva - Stick'Air sticker
What is the Stick'Air sticker?
The Stick’Air sticker is an environmental emissions sticker required for vehicles driving in Geneva’s city center and surrounding municipalities during periods of high air pollution. Introduced in January 2020, it’s part of Geneva’s differentiated traffic scheme to improve air quality and reduce health risks from pollution. The color-coded sticker indicates your vehicle’s environmental performance category based on its fuel type and Euro emissions standard.
Where is the Stick'Air sticker required?
The Stick’Air system applies to the Geneva metropolitan area, including the City of Geneva and parts of the surrounding municipalities of Carouge, Cologny, Lancy, and Vernier. During pollution alerts, only vehicles displaying authorized Stick’Air categories are permitted to circulate in this zone between 06:00 and 22:00. The restrictions do not apply on Swiss motorways around Geneva.
What are the different Stick'Air categories?
Stick’Air stickers come in six categories, each distinguished by color:
Green (0): Electric and hydrogen vehicles (zero emissions)
Purple (1): Gas and rechargeable hybrid vehicles, petrol Euro 5 and 6 standards
Yellow (2): Petrol Euro 4, diesel Euro 5 and 6
Orange (3): Petrol Euro 2 and 3, diesel Euro 4
Burgundy/Brown (4): Diesel Euro 3
Grey (5): Diesel Euro 2
Vehicles registered before certain dates that don’t meet minimum Euro standards (Euro 2 for petrol, Euro 3 for diesel) are uncategorized and not eligible for any sticker.
How long is the Stick'Air sticker valid?
The Stick’Air sticker is valid for the entire lifetime of your vehicle, provided it remains legible and properly adhered to your windscreen. You only need to purchase it once unless you change vehicles or the sticker becomes damaged.
Can I use my French Crit'Air sticker in Geneva instead?
Yes. French Crit’Air stickers are fully recognized and accepted in Geneva, as both systems use identical requirements and equivalent numbering. If you already have a Crit’Air sticker displayed on your vehicle, you do not need to purchase a separate Stick’Air sticker. However, the Swiss Stick’Air sticker is not accepted in France.
When do I need to display the Stick'Air sticker?
The Stick’Air sticker must be displayed on your windscreen whenever you drive in the designated Geneva zone during pollution alert periods. These alerts are triggered when air pollution levels exceed 50 µg/m³ for particulate matter or during ozone pollution peaks. Alert levels and current restrictions are communicated via:
Signs at entry points to the restricted zone
Local media
The R2G2/Air2G2 mobile application
Which vehicles are exempt from the Stick'Air requirement?
Certain vehicle categories are exempt from displaying Stick’Air stickers:
Vehicles with handicap permits
Bicycles, mopeds, and electric bicycles
Diplomatic and consular vehicles
Vehicles used for professional passenger transport
A grace period for adoption was granted until 30 March 2020, after which enforcement began.
What are the penalties for not having a Stick'Air sticker?
Driving in the Geneva low emission zone without a valid Stick’Air sticker (or with an unauthorized category during restrictions) can result in a fine of CHF 500 (approximately £455). Enforcement applies to all vehicles regardless of where they are registered, including UK and foreign-registered vehicles.
How do I know which Stick'Air category my vehicle needs?
You can determine which Stick’Air category your vehicle qualifies for by visiting the official Geneva website at www.ge.ch/lc/monstickair. You’ll need your vehicle registration document, which shows your vehicle’s Euro emissions standard. The website allows you to enter your vehicle details and automatically calculates the appropriate sticker category.
Does the Stick'Air sticker work during all pollution levels?
During pollution alerts, Geneva operates a tiered restriction system. Depending on the severity of air pollution (alert levels 1, 2, or 3), certain Stick’Air categories may be prohibited from entering the restricted zone. For example:
At alert level 2, only vehicles with Stick’Air categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 may circulate
Higher pollution levels result in stricter restrictions, potentially excluding categories 3, 4, and 5
The specific categories allowed during each alert are communicated through official channels when the restrictions are activated.
Is public transport free during pollution peaks?
Yes! When pollution levels trigger level 2 restrictions, public transport becomes temporarily free of charge throughout the entire Geneva cantonal network (zone 10). This measure encourages residents to use public transport instead of driving, helping to reduce vehicle emissions during pollution peaks.