Last Updated on 3 August 2025 by Johan

Paris continues to enchant visitors from around the globe—but exploring the City of Light by car is no longer as straightforward as it once was. With new traffic regulations now in effect, tourists planning to drive through Paris need to adapt to a changing urban landscape focused on sustainability and safety.

Traffic Zones: Where Tourists Can’t Drive

Beginning in 2025, Paris introduced restricted traffic zones—also known as ZTL zones—in its historic center. These include the first four arrondissements, where only residents, authorized services, and certain exceptions are allowed to drive. Tourist vehicles are prohibited. Unauthorized access may result in fines of €135, making it crucial for visitors to research access rules in advance and consider using public transportation for inner-city travel.

Crit’Air Stickers: Environmental Compliance Is Mandatory

Paris enforces the Crit’Air sticker system, which classifies vehicles based on emissions. From January 2025, vehicles with stickers classed 3, 4, 5—or without any sticker—are banned from entering the larger low-emission zone, which includes Paris and suburbs within the A86 ring road, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. The sticker costs only a few euros but must be ordered online at least a week before traveling. Failing to meet the requirement can also incur a fine of up to €135.

Speed Limits and Reserved Lanes

Travelers arriving via the Boulevard Périphérique, Paris’s ring road, should take note: the speed limit has been reduced from 70 km/h to 50 km/h as of late 2024. Enforcement starts in May 2025. In addition, special lanes marked with white diamonds are now reserved for carpoolers, electric vehicles (with Crit’Air clearance), buses, and taxis. Using these lanes without authorization may lead to penalties—even for accidental use.

Travel Advice for Driving Tourists

Despite tighter rules, Paris remains accessible for drivers willing to plan ahead. Here are a few tips:

• Park at designated lots on the city’s edge and continue via metro or tram.
• Apply for the Crit’Air sticker at least two weeks before arrival.
• Double-check your route to avoid entering restricted zones.
• Stay updated on signage changes and lane restrictions.

These developments reflect Paris’s push for cleaner air and safer streets. For tourists, it’s a shift toward mindful travel—but with preparation, discovering Paris remains effortless.