Paris ZTL for Cars (Limited Traffic Zones in Paris)
What vehicles can enter the Paris ZTL?
Starting on November 4th, 2024, the French capital enforced traffic restrictions similar to what we already see in Madrid, Milan and Rome. In short, the city banned the access of many types of motor vehicles into its central region with the goal of reducing air and noise pollution there.
At first, the restrictions took place in an educational phase. The city will only make them fully effective in 2025 so as to give time to drivers to adapt to the new conditions. In this article, we are going to explain the limited traffic zones (LTZ) in Paris as well as how their exceptions work.
The ZTL system primarily restricts the circulation of motor vehicles in the Paris downtown, with exceptions, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Crossing the zone without stopping is no longer possible; it will be necessary to drive around it.
Paris ZTL at a glance
- Traffic restrictions to reduce air and noise pollution.
- The Paris ZTL comprises 1st to 4th arrondissements.
- People who live or work there will NOT be affected.
- he new laws will start with an educational period.
Where is the ZTL in Paris?
According to the city’s official page, this is the perimeter of the new limited traffic zone:
That region is Paris’s Centre sector, which comprises the 1st to the 4th arrondissements without the Grands Boulevards to the north, the Cité and Saint-Louis islands or the lower and upper quays on the right bank in the west-east direction. Up to 550,000 vehicles ride there every day.
How to enter a ZTL in Paris?
Starting on November 5th, 2024, there will be specific signs to mark the limits of the Paris ZTL:
Who can drive in the ZTL?
The basic rule is that the traffic limitations are enforced against motor vehicles 24/7. When you need to cross that area, you will have to drive around it. Then again, there are several exception cases to that rule, even among motor vehicles. This is what we are going to cover on this topic.
People who live and/or work within the ZTL will not be affected. That extends to delivery drivers who are on duty, people with medical appointments, people visiting local residents, and those who are going to shop in that area, visit entertainment facilities and/or use hospitality facilities.
When it comes to vehicle categories, the limited traffic zone (ZTL) exempts all categories of public service, VTC and taxis, car sharing vehicles, vehicles that promote accessible transportation to the population, and vehicles of professional use in selected cases. This last category is where the coach hire in Paris is concerned.
Professional vehicles in the ZTL
The city of Paris grants a Mobile Professional circulation permit to “professionals with a mainly mobile activity, working in the Capital and domiciled in Paris or in Île-de-France.” It allows them to park at a preferential rate, for 7 consecutive hours, in all paid surface spaces in Paris.
Professionals with that permit may enter the new ZTL as well. However, it is important to state that it is only granted to vehicles with 4 wheels and less than 3.5 tons which are used for a few service categories listed here. Tourist buses, for example, are not included in that permit.
For more details specifically about ZTL for tourist coaches in Paris, we have a separate article covering this topic.
Paris ZTL for Cars FAQ
Yes, because the new rules allow destination traffic. In fact, their work will be made easier, since the restrictions are going to reduce the number of cars on the local streets.
Yes. If you live in the region, people who are going to visit you are authorized to drive within the ZTL. The police are going to issue them the necessary documents over time.
No. These restrictions consider the vehicle’s usage type, not its powertrain. Electric and hybrid vehicles face the same restrictions as their thermal equivalents.
The local police are going to issue the necessary documents over time. Right now, the Paris ZTL is being enforced in an educational phase, where there will be no penalties whatsoever.
There are specific signs on the street. They warn you when you are at an intersection where there is an entrance to the ZTL; when you are about to enter the ZTL; and when you are about to leave the ZTL.
The region comprises the 1st to the 4th arrondissements without the Grands Boulevards to the north, the Cité and Saint-Louis islands to the south, or the lower and upper quays on the right bank in the west-east direction.
The local police will enforce an educational phase for the first 6 months. There will be no fines at all; the officers will focus on explaining the new rules to drivers. In the future, any drivers who enter the ZTL without authorization will be fined.
All the time. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is already effective as of November 5th, 2024. The city is going to start with an educational period, then make it fully effective in 2025.
Besides bicycles and scooters, we can include cars, light utility vehicles, two-wheeled motor vehicles, and commercial vehicles heavier than 3,5 tons which are properly authorized by the local government.
As of now, there are no plans to enforce other zones of limited traffic in Paris.
People who live and/or work there, people who have errands to run there, and professionals who work with authorized vehicles. You may not enter the ZTL if you intend to cross it so as to drive from the 14th to the 18th arrondissement.
