Three questions about the effective arrival of the ZFE in Lyon
1uh last January, the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) entered applications in Lyon, Villeurbanne, Caluire-et-Cuire and Bron. Planned by the LOM law (Mobility orientation law) in eleven cities in France, the ZFE restricts access to cities for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality.
In detail, the ZFE has arrived 1uh last september in the Lyon conurbation but it was in an educational phase until the 1uh January.
Which vehicles are affected?
In parallel with the ZFE, vehicles are now classified according to Crit’Air stickers. The higher the number, the more polluting the vehicle is considered. In 2023, vehicles labeled Crit’Air 5 or out of category traffic and parking are prohibited in Lyon, Villeurbanne, Caluire-et-Cuire and part of Bron.
In concrete terms, this concerns cars and commercial vehicles registered before December 31, 2000 or heavy goods vehicles registered before September 30, 2006.
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The principle of the ZFE is to limit access each year to another Crit’Air category until 2026. Crit’Air 4 (between 2001 and 2005) will thus be prohibited in 2024, followed by Crit’Air 3 (2006 –2010) in 2025 and diesels and Crit’Air 2 in 2026.
The current restriction concerns just under 20,000 vehicles, according to the Métropole de Lyon.
Are there any exemptions?
Derogations are granted for households whose taxable income is less than 19,600 euros per share. This exception is valid for inhabitants outside the mainland ZFE who can justify working within the perimeter. If you meet these criteria, you can therefore continue to travel with your Crit’Air 5 vehicle until December 31, 2023, the end date of this exemption.
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For occasional drivers, the “small driver” derogation grants a limited number of driving days. The inhabitants of the ZFE as well as outsiders may be entitled to it. This derogation is being tested until December 31, 2023. You can also benefit from a derogation if you can justify the current purchase of a clean vehicle.
For the time being, these derogations have been requested very little, with ten requests processed and twenty files in progressaccording to the Metropolis.
How much is the fine if I don’t follow the rules?
For the time being, the fines will be drawn up by the municipal police, without automated control. If you have a Crit’Air 5 vehicle and you drive or park in the EPZ, you will be able to receive a fine of 68 euros.
Automated checks by reading license plates must arrive at the end of the year 2024.
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