Right, so it's an arcane alternative to the automatic vehicle number plate recognition system employed in Central London. Zero investment in traffic monitoring and infrastructure, just make everyone pay for a sticker that they might not even need instead.
Pretty much yeah. Same as the swiss highways charge. If you are stopped you need to show it or get fined.
Sorry if it's bad form to resurrect a zombie thread, but this seemed the best place to start: I'm looking for a suitable location for a Crit'Air sticker on my 2018 1260S. I have a dark Puig screen, so the inside of that would probably not be visible for the presumably automated cameras. Is there a VED style holder that can be attached to the MS front forks? Where have other members placed it? I considered the panniers, but I'm sure there'll be days when I'm riding without them. I have HEED crash bars: might they provide a suitable mounting point? Any helpful suggestions would be gratefully received.
Mine has always been wrapped round one of the front Forks at the top, never had an issue. I very much doubt that cameras look for the sticker, it may only be checked if stopped by police or when parked in a city or town where the Crit D'Air is applicable.
I have my CritAir sticker stuck on the inside of my smoked V4 Pikes Peak screen. IMO, the sticker is for their version of our traffic warden, not surveillance cameras. Electronic surveillance will just check that your registration is on the database. Andy
Yep, my crit sticker didn't arrive until after I'd left but they did state so long as you have proof of purchase it wouldn't be an issue if it wasn't stuck on somewhere
That right there is the only reason for it... As long as money flowed, all is good. I didn't know this was a thing until just reading this thread and I've been in and out of France (including cities) in the car and bike many times... oops.
I didnt even bother with my last bike in France. Never been checked. Gendarme have better things to do tbh. Much more chance of checking insurance cert, reg docs and being breathalysed.. As said though, it will be on the database. When I did bother, had one mounted on the fork leg. Could always keep it somewhere on the bike/person with hi viz, warning triangle, helmet sticker, spare bulbs and breathalyser, like the French motorcyclists…..oh, and CE marked gloves…
I don't know how often anyone gets fined in the general run of things, but given the sticker is so cheap at under £5, lasts for the vehicle lifetime (unless you change plates) it makes no sense not to buy it and display on the vehicle really. Failure to display a Crit'Air clean air sticker in designated French low-emission zones (including Paris, Lyon, and others) could result in an on-the-spot fine, typically €68–€135 (£58–£117), which can increase to €750 if unpaid. The mandatory sticker, costing €4.61, must be purchased online from the official government website. Not wearing the CE approved gloves while riding a motorcycle or scooter in France results in a €68 fine for both the rider and passenger. The fine can be reduced to €45 if paid within 15 days. Cheap compared to the Hi Vis which is €135 if you are standing on a hard shoulder (but only €11 if you are spot checked and its not in your bag). And don't forget a medical kit and reflective helmet stickers!
Thanks for everyone's input. I've actually got a hotel booked in Oviedo, Northern Spain for the eclipse in August, travelling down through France to get there, and I believe (hope) that the Crit'Air will be accepted in any LEZ in Spain, too. I suppose I was wondering if a VED holder was possible so that it could be removed once back in the UK. I also feel that, as long as the cost isn't too prohibitive, going by the letter of the law in the EU is probably the safest way to stay fine free.
As a UK resident, driving a UK registered vehicle, you cannot buy the Spanish equivalent. However, Spain recognises and accepts the French Crit’Air for foreign registered vehicles. IME, the actual Crit’Air sticker is a real PITA. It’s one of those security style stickers that leaves a residue if you try and remove it. It’s designed to be seen through the windscreen so the face with all the details is covered in a very sticky adhesive and is very easy to get wrong. Andy
Ulez stickers and fines are really only enforced in Barcelona & Madrid. If you aren't going into these two cities, you won't be affected. Viva Espana!
Hi, Andy. Yeah - your first point is why I went down the Crit'Air route, and your second is why I was investigating the possibility of an old style VED holder which used to be attached to the front fork. As the MS1260S wasn't around during the "good old days", I have been struggling to find a suitable modern alternative.
Hi, Jez - thanks for your reply, but I've had an email from the hotel which explicitly states "We would like to inform you that, as of January 1, 2026, the Low Emission Zone will come into effect in our city. If you are coming by car, we recommend that you check all the information at the following link:https://www.oviedo.es/zbe/informacion As a hotel guest, you will be able to access the LEZ to reach the hotel. Depending on your vehicle's sticker, you will either be able to drive through the city or you will have to go directly to one of the public car parks in the area." This is why I have been investigating a holder, to remove any doubt about fines.
The hotel is probably just doing this to ensure they don't get any comeback. You could register your bike on the official system to be 100% certain too. But here's the reason why I don't think its going to matter at all (I could be wrong). On the official government site, they don't even mention it, much less list it as an advisory or requirement. Plus all information on proposals re motorcycles refers to Euro 3 AFAIK so bikes 2007 or earlier. https://www.spain.info/en/travel-tips/driving-regulations/ https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/32699082...wTBSpiso0hFKmZjyTQwAcdM+Nv|tkp:Bk9SR5iVr7yYZw
Don’t forget your emergency beacon as well! https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threa...on-regulations-for-spain.105275/#post-2313124
