Vehicle stickers in 2026: what you need to know

Vehicle windscreen stickers in 2026

Here is everything you need to know.

Surprisingly, by 2026, there are almost no stickers that must be displayed on your vehicle’s windscreen. We say “almost” because a few distinctions still apply depending on your circumstances. In some cities, displaying a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) sticker remains compulsory, even though the Constitutional Council struck down the abolition of low-emission zones on Thursday 21 May. This is a good opportunity to look more closely at questions you may be asking.

What about the insurance sticker?

The green insurance sticker, long familiar to motorists, disappeared in 2024. Although it no longer has to be displayed on the windscreen, you must still take out motor insurance before driving. As Auto Plus points out, the legal minimum is third-party cover, also known as civil liability insurance.

The roadworthiness test is also still compulsory once a vehicle reaches its fourth anniversary, and must then be completed every two years. The testing centre will attach a sticker showing its expiry date. While displaying this “roadworthiness test” sticker is customary, it is not mandatory. However, if stopped by the police, you must be able to provide the roadworthiness test report and the validating sticker on the vehicle registration certificate.

Low Emission Zones and the Crit’Air sticker

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are urban areas in which access is restricted for the most polluting vehicles. They are intended to improve air quality by cutting harmful emissions, including fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, while encouraging people to choose more environmentally friendly ways of travelling. Although the scheme may eventually disappear, it remains in force at the time of writing.

In certain major cities, drivers must therefore display a Crit’Air sticker in order to travel. In Lyon and Paris alike, Crit’Air 3 vehicles and above are no longer allowed to drive. The introduction of the scheme has also led to numerous scams, so the sticker should only be ordered through the official website.

Other compulsory vehicle stickers

Finally, Auto Plus highlights less common, but still existing, situations. These include mandatory stickers for residents’ parking in certain municipalities, as well as stickers required to travel to a workplace. Hopefully, this makes the steps to follow and the rules applying in 2026 clearer.