Three changes – and a potential new law – affecting drivers in france this april

PETROL PRICES ARE SET TO STAY LOW FOLLOWING A PRODUCTION BOOM April has seen a host of administrative changes for people who live or have properties in France, which we explain here. 

Separate to these however are some key changes for drivers in the country, with April also a major month for road regulations.  Last year, April saw the end of green insurance stickers for

vehicles. Below, we look at three rules coming into effect this April, as well as a potential major change to France’s low-emission zones. PARIS TRAFFIC FINES Drivers who break rules

surrounding the limited traffic zone (Zone à Trafic Limité, ZTL) in central Paris now face a €135 fine. The ZTL was put into place on November 5 in the capital covering central areas of the

capital and limiting the vehicles that could pass through.  In most cases vehicles are completely banned from even passing through the zone although there are exceptions in place for

residents, workers, and those with appointments in the city. A six-month ‘educational period’ was put into place, with drivers breaking the rules being informed of their transgression but

not punished.  That period ended on April 1 meaning fines are now possible for those found breaking the rules although cameras that can record the vehicle number plates of offenders have yet

to be installed, meaning only those caught manually currently face a fine.  TEMPORARY END TO MOUNTAIN TYRE REGULATIONS  The requirement for vehicles in certain communes to have snow tyres

(or a suitable alternative) in place officially ended on April 1.  The Loi Montagne requires vehicles in mountainous terrain (or subject to frequent snowfall) to adapt their vehicles between

October 31 - March 31 to reduce the risk of accidents.  For several years, those found to be driving without the required features in place were reminded of the rules but not fined.  This

was set to change in 2024/2025 with penalties issued however political instability in France following the July 2024 legislative elections meant there was insufficient time to bring the

penalties in before the start date, meaning last year was another ‘educational period’.  It is thought probable that fines will be issued for non-compliant drivers in the 2025/2026 year. 

Read more: Do insurers require snow tyres even if fines not in place? GOOD NEWS AT THE PUMPS  April sees an increase in production drive from oil-producing nations to boost supply.  The

price of a barrel of crude oil has fallen to around €65, down from €79 at the beginning of the year.  This, together with a stronger euro against the US dollar, should keep petrol prices

stable for the foreseeable future, perhaps even seeing a fall in prices in the coming weeks.  In addition, there is no government talk of raising taxes on petrol in the coming months

indicating that prices will remain low.  A (POSSIBLE) END TO LOW-EMISSION ZONES  This is not a concrete change, but could see major repercussions for drivers in France if it comes into

effect.  A special commission in France’s lower political chamber (Assemblée nationale) put forward a motion to bring an end to low-emission zones (zones à faibles emissions, ZFE) in France.

  A wider vote in the chamber on the matter will be held on April 7. If passed it will go to the Senate and then eventually come into force if also backed there.  January 2025 saw a major

expansion to ZFEs in France, with all urban areas with a population of more than 150,000 required to introduce them. However fines are not yet being issued in most of these.  Read more: 2025

MAP: France’s new clean air driving zones and their rules