“Paris Respire – Car-Free”: Sunday, September 17, the trial of the car?

Paris is hosting the 9th edition of the “Paris Respire – Car-Free Day”, this Sunday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beware of your movements.

“Paris Respire” was an appropriate name. “Paris Respire – Car-Free” is already more populist, since all motor vehicles, both thermal and electric, are subject to a circulation ban within central Paris (except for the Peripherique) on Sunday, September 17, 2023. And not just gasoline or diesel cars—this supposed ally of Satan in the eyes of the mayor Anne Hidalgo. Violators face a fine of 4th class (€135).

It’s understandable to regret the confusion around electric vehicles, which are lumped together with pollution, while the rest of the year their virtuous impact on air quality is touted.

The streets of the capital will thus be reserved from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for bikes (motorized?), scooters (motorized?), skateboards, and rollerblades, to stroll and rediscover the city with fewer constraints. Pedestrians, please stay on sidewalks as much as possible, since previous editions have shown a tendency for some cyclists to ride at high speed in an uncivil manner.

Public transportation will of course be maintained, especially to connect peripheral towns where parking will be available before entering the city. Taxis and VTCs will also be allowed, with a speed limit of 20 km/h.

Paris residents returning from weekends will need to present proof of address upon entry into the city.

Finally, to encourage everyone to discover cycling, Vélib’ free-floating bikes offer 45 minutes free.

As a reminder, every first Sunday of the month, the city center and the Champs Elysées are reserved for pedestrians and gentle mobility—foot, bike, rollerblades, etc.

FAQ

HOW DO I GET TO OR LEAVE MY HOME?

It is recommended to use your vehicle as little as possible between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. (cars or motorized two-wheelers). Residents will be able to access their homes: to facilitate checks, they must carry proof of residency. To arrive or leave, they will be asked to take the shortest route to minimize motorized travel during this special day.

HOW TO DROP OFF OR PICK UP SOMEONE AT THE STATION OR AIRPORT?

Except in the central zone and the Paris Respire zones, public transportation, taxis, and VTCs can circulate in Paris at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. In the central zone, public transportation and taxis can travel at 20 km/h.

WILL ELECTRIC CARS BE ALLOWED TO CIRCULATE?

No. The circulation ban applies regardless of the type of motorization. Besides the goal of reducing air pollution—which is mainly pedagogical since the bans only last a few hours—they aim to transform space usually dedicated to motorized movement of 2, 3, or 4 wheels into an area for gentle mobility: walking, cycling, scooters, etc. It’s important to note that motorized trips occupy more than 50% of public space, even though these individual motorized trips account for only 13% of all travel. For this reason, electric vehicles are also subject to these exceptional bans.

CAN I RIDE A MOTORCYCLE?

No. The ban on circulation applies to all motorized two-wheelers, regardless of their type of motorization.

I WORK SCHEDULES DIFFER FROM THE NORMAL HOURS (NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AVAILABLE). WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Vehicles authorized by public services for their agents to start work are permitted, with proof. Otherwise, no exemptions are possible. The ban applies only from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CAN I OBTAIN AN EXEMPTION?

No. No exemptions will be issued upon request. You can move around by public transport or taxi/VTC (except in the central zone for VTCs). If you wish to drive, you can do so before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

I AM HANDICAPPED. CAN I DRIVE A CAR?

Yes. Holders of a disability parking card (Parking Mobility Inclusion Card – mention Parking or European Parking Card for disabled persons) can circulate freely. The vehicle must display the original, valid card visibly on the windshield.

ALSO READ: Which electric bike to choose in Paris? (our pick at the end)