France has many types of radars: mobile radars, tower radars, red light radars, section radars, anti-noise radars, discrimination radars, airborne radars… The list is long and soon they ZFE radars will join this large family of devices that allow drivers to be fined en masse on the road.

Indeed, ZFEs (low-emission zones) are spreading in France and concern agglomerations of more than 150,000 inhabitants, which are gradually implementing them. Only the latest vehicles can circulate in these ZFEs, and to differentiate between them, Crit’air sticker system was imagined Then vehicles that do not have the appropriate Crit’air sticker traffic bans within the ZFE.

ZFE radars: a fine of 135 euros

Adding to the confusion among motorists is that each ZFE has its own classification schedule: for example, greater Paris currently excludes Crit’air vignettes 5 and 4, while Lyon currently only bans ‘5’, as does Marseille. And there are many examples.

Vehicles manufactured prior to 1997 that do not qualify for the Crit’air sticker are automatically excluded. The ultimate goal is toprohibit the movement of all thermal vehicles, which do not have the famous Crit’air “green” sticker. Anyone who violates this system is liable a fine of 68 euros (135 euros for heavy goods vehicles).

The navigation application Waze offers a new option that helps the driver learn about restricted areas by the Crit’Air sticker on the vehicle. Find out how it works. https://t.co/pIfXK9QDny

— AutoJournalMag (@AutoJournalMag) August 29, 2022

ZFE radars: automate sanctions

In practice, checks are now quite rare, and currently they must be carried out by law enforcement officers. They tend to show leniency: indeed, benevolent agents prefer education to punishment, but of course the exception does not prove the rule.

But everything will change quickly: the appearance of ZFE radars, which automate the inspection of vehicles that have permission to move thanks to license plate readingwill allow heavy fines for violators.

ZFE radars: delayed arrival

These radars work with ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Reader) cameras and query a database that allows you to associate a vehicle with a Crit’air sticker. The problem is that this system does not exist not yet approved by the state, and its deployment should take place no earlier than the second half of 2023 or even 2024.

This delay in deployment is already being pointed out by some metropolitan presidents who lament the “deficit”. In Paris, we are already counting on date 1^Er July 2023 for installation of ZFE radars: a date that has already been pushed back a year due to lack of agreement.

#mondayMotivation

⏱ Don’t wait and consider getting your CRIT’AIR sticker now 👉 https://t.co/lR9Mcf7bzG

✅Only vehicles equipped with a CRIT’AIR sticker 0, 1, 2 or 3 will be allowed to travel during peak hours #pollution in the metropolis of Bordeaux pic.twitter.com/fO9UbIEga0

– Prefect of New Aquitaine and Gironde (@PrefAquitaine33) August 29, 2022