By British drivers are being urged to apply for a key item before travelling to Europe this year or they could be hit with hefty fines.
Britons will be looking to travel to Europe this year with the European Championships taking place across Germany in June and July, and the Olympic Games in Paris between July and August.
However, experts are warning drivers of the charges they face when travelling to France if they do not have the proper documentation with them.
Most major cities across France have emissions-based charging zones in place, similar to those found in London, Birmingham and Oxford.
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Motorists have been urged to apply for the stickers at least 10 days before they travel to France
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Drivers will be required to display Crit’Air stickers in their vehicles to show the pollution output of their vehicle, based on its Euro emissions standard.
The vignettes cost just €3.72 (£3.20) and can be ordered on the French Government website, with the nation keen to lower emissions.
However, experts are warning that Crit’Air stickers can take up to 10 days to arrive in the post, making it even more important for holidaymakers to book in advance.
John Woosey, Founder of Ripe Caravan Insurance, commented: “From passports to visas and travel insurance, there’s a myriad of important documentation that must be arranged in the lead-up to a trip abroad.
“Frustratingly, too, rules regularly change – so keeping up to date with the latest regulations can be a headache.
“It’s therefore understandable that applying for your Crit’Air sticker could get lost in the process.”
Drivers can be slapped with a fine worth up to €180 (£155) if they do not obey the emissions rules.
Once the Crit’Air vignette has been received, it will apply for the lifespan of the vehicle and drivers will not be required to buy another one at a later stage.
A Crit’Air sticker is required in Paris, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Rouen, Reims, and Saint-Etienne.
Woosey added: “It would be distressing if your long-awaited holiday was tarnished due to such a small admin issue and the resulting fine.
“So, we’re urging holidaymakers to double-check that they’re organised in plenty of time, to avoid disappointment.”
British motorists are encouraged to check the French Government website for further guidance on the Crit’Air rules depending on which areas they are travelling on holiday.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The Crit’Air stickers denote the emissions output of a vehicle GETTYFor example, vehicles which need the Crit’Air 3 sticker (Euro 2, Euro 3 petrol and Euro 4 diesel) will not be allowed to enter Paris from the start of 2025.
