CritAir

CritAir is a French environmental vehicle classification system that categorises motorised road vehicles by their exhaust emissions. The system was introduced in 2009 by the French Ministry of Ecology to reduce air pollution in urban areas and works by assigning each vehicle to one of six colored categories – green, blue, yellow, orange, red or black – based on the Euro emission standards it meets and its fuel type. Vehicles that comply with Euro 6 requirements are awarded green, while those still running on older Euro standards receive progressively darker colours, with black indicating non‑compliant, high‑emission vehicles.

The designation is displayed on a small sticker, usually affixed to the vehicle’s front windscreen, and is displayed to authorities at checkpoints and electronic barriers. In 2012 the system was extended to nationwide use in France, and in 2014 it was incorporated into European Union legislation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1161) to standardise the scheme. Since then, many EU member states have adopted similar schemes or have required CritAir stickers for legal entry into low‑emission zones, making the classification an international regulatory tool.

CritAir has helped many authorities curb emissions from vehicles that contribute most to particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, especially in traffic‑heavy cities. However, critics argue that small manufacturers and private car owners may face higher costs for upgrades. Certain groups, including diplomatic and emergency vehicles, are exempt from the label. The scheme is periodically reviewed to align with advances in automotive technology and EU emission targets.