Stick’Air sticker (Geneva)
£20.00
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Description
What is the Stick'Air Sticker?
The Stick’Air is Switzerland’s official environmental classification sticker designed to identify vehicles based on their emission levels. Similar to the French Crit’Air system, this windscreen sticker is part of Switzerland’s initiative to improve air quality and protect public health by restricting the most polluting vehicles during periods of high air pollution.
The sticker classifies vehicles into different categories using a colour-coded system, allowing authorities to quickly identify which vehicles can enter restricted zones during pollution peaks.
Where is the Stick'Air Required?
The Stick’Air sticker is mandatory in Geneva and surrounding municipalities when pollution levels exceed safe thresholds. The restricted zone covers:
- City of Geneva (Ville de Genève)
- Carouge
- Cologny
- Lancy
- Vernier
The system operates as a differentiated traffic zone, activated only when air pollution reaches elevated levels. When active, restrictions apply between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays.
Important: Motorways are exempt from these restrictions.
Stick'Air Categories and Vehicle Classification
The Stick’Air system includes six emission categories, each identified by a distinct colour:
Stick’Air 0 (Green) – Electric and hydrogen vehicles with zero emissions
Stick’Air 1 (Purple) – Euro 5 and Euro 6 petrol vehicles, plus most Euro 6 diesel vehicles
Stick’Air 2 (Yellow) – Euro 4 petrol vehicles, Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles
Stick’Air 3 (Orange) – Euro 2 and Euro 3 petrol vehicles, Euro 4 diesel vehicles
Stick’Air 4 (Burgundy) – Euro 3 diesel vehicles
Stick’Air 5 (Dark Grey) – Euro 2 diesel vehicles
Vehicles must meet minimum Euro 2 standards for petrol and Euro 3 for diesel to qualify for a Stick’Air sticker.
When Are Restrictions Enforced?
Unlike permanent low emission zones in other European cities, Geneva’s system is activated only during pollution peaks. The authorities monitor four pollution levels:
No pollution peak – No restrictions apply
Activation level – Restrictions may be announced
Alert level – Lower-category vehicles may be banned
Emergency level – Stricter bans on older vehicles
During high pollution episodes, categories 3, 4, and 5 may be prohibited from entering the zone. Real-time information about active restrictions is communicated via road signs, media announcements, and the R2G2 mobile application.
Who Needs a Stick'Air Sticker?
The Stick’Air requirement applies to all vehicles, including:
- Foreign-registered vehicles visiting Switzerland
- Cars and motorhomes (M1)
- Minibuses (M2)
- Coaches (M3)
- Vans (N1)
- Lorries (N2)
- Heavy goods vehicles (N3)
- Motorcycles (from 2025)
Exemptions include agricultural and forestry vehicles, emergency services, and vehicles belonging to persons with reduced mobility carrying disabled parking permits.
How long is the Stick'Air sticker valid for?
The sticker is valid for the entire lifetime of your vehicle and must be clearly visible on your windscreen.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Driving in the restricted zone without a valid Stick’Air sticker during enforcement periods carries significant penalties:
- Fines range from CHF 500 to €455 (approximately £68-£135)
- Foreign vehicles are subject to the same fines as Swiss-registered vehicles
- Under EU Directive 2011/82, unpaid fines of €70 or more can result in cross-border enforcement proceedings in your home country
Why the Stick'Air System Matters
Air pollution poses serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups including the elderly, young children, and those with respiratory conditions. Ground-level ozone and particulate matter can cause:
Breathing difficulties
Headaches and asthma attacks
Long-term cardiovascular problems
By restricting the most polluting vehicles during peak pollution episodes, Geneva aims to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate emissions, protecting public health and improving air quality for all residents and visitors
