ZEV: Automated fines starting in 2024

If you thought you could get away with it, it will be almost impossible starting in 2024. Low-emission zones in major cities will penalize the oldest cars using automatic violation cameras.

For the moment, only manual controls were issuing fines to the oldest and most polluting cars, at a still modest frequency. But all that will soon change. The ministerial monitoring committee of the low-emission zones (LEZ) announced yesterday the implementation of an “automated sanction control” system against the most polluting cars prohibited in the affected urban areas, by the second half of 2024.

Gates or cameras?

Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition, clarified that “the technical characteristics of the selected projects will be presented once they are known.” There is much speculation about whether gates will be installed or simply cameras placed at the entrance of low-emission zones.

Very Near Deadlines

Offenders will face a flat-rate fine of 68 euros, classified as a class 3 fine. Reminder, starting January 1, 2023, Crit’Air 5 vehicles (diesel models manufactured before 2001) are affected. On January 1, 2024, Crit’Air 4 (diesel before 2006) will follow, then Crit’Air 3 (diesel before 2011 and gasoline before 2006) on January 1, 2025.

It is also worth noting that the conversion bonus, which can amount up to 5,000 euros, will be increased by 1,000 euros for residents within LEZs. Some uncertainties remain, such as the zero-interest loan project (up to 30,000 euros) for purchasing a new vehicle or a rental at 100 euros per month for an electric car starting from 2024.

Read also: Grand Paris LEZ: Crit’Air 3 ban postponed