Company car drivers are being warned to be aware of local air quality regulations if taking their car abroad this summer or risk a fine of up to €180 (£154).

In France, the most popular destination for UK drivers, the RAC says that 12 different areas across the country now restrict car movements based on how polluting vehicles are, with some locations much stricter than others.

However, unlike in the UK’s clean air zones, visitors to these parts of France must also ensure they have a specific sticker – called a Crit’Air Air Quality Certificate – displayed on their windscreen.

Whether a car is permitted to drive into a low emissions zone or not depends on how polluting it is, and therefore which of six different stickers it needs.

The cleanest electric and hydrogen vehicles require green Crit’Air ‘0’ stickers, while at the opposite end of the spectrum the most polluting diesel vehicles need dark grey Crit’Air ‘5’ ones.

As of July, two new locations – the cities of Bordeaux in the south-west and Clermont-Ferrand in central France – require drivers to display the right Crit’Air sticker for their vehicle.

But in 10 other locations, stricter regulations mean that only vehicles that have specific stickers, and are therefore deemed clean enough, are permitted.

Paris is the strictest city, allowing only cars that bear Crit’Air ‘0, ‘1’ or ‘2’ stickers to use certain roads and certain times from this summer, followed by the Aix-Marseille-Provence region, Toulouse and Reims that permit only vehicles with Crit’Air ‘0’, ‘1’, ‘2’ or ‘3’ vignettes.

UK drivers have to ensure they have the right Crit’Air vignette displayed on their windscreens before they leave for France – these need to be ordered in advance via the official French Government website as they cannot be bought locally.

The cost is €4.61 (around £4), and the sticker is valid for the life of the car.

The RAC said it was aware of unofficial third-party sites that charge six times as much for the same sticker, which drivers should avoid at all costs.

Any driver found to be driving in a low emissions zone and not complying with the local regulations – by either not displaying a sticker at all or by driving a car that’s too polluting – risks a fine of €68 (£58), which rises to €180 (£154) if not paid within 45 days.

Fines will increase up to €750 (£640) next year when camera-based enforcement begins.

Switzerland has the Stick’Air vignette scheme – similar to that in operation in France – while cities in Spain require ‘DGT’ stickers.

One country’s sticker is not valid in another so, if a driver plans a road trip covering several nations, they need to ensure they have the appropriate sticker for each.

RAC Europe spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Many UK drivers will be familiar with clean air zones such as the London Ultra Low Emission Zone, but they should also be ready to encounter them abroad this summer.

“It’s vital anyone travelling to Europe does their homework to see whether an emissions-based windscreen sticker is needed – and give themselves enough time to order one before their trip.”

Advice for electric vehicle drivers travelling abroad

Venson Automotive Solutions is helping drivers plan ahead so they can still drive their zero emissions vehicle on holidays abroad.

With a growing charging network and a wider range of options now available, electric vehicle (EV) driving abroad is getting easier, it says.

Some UK apps and accounts will work in Europe, but drivers will need to look into additional accounts, including the various multi-network accounts available to provide access to many of the biggest networks through a single app.

Simon Staton, director of client management for Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “The good news is that with a little planning and preparation driving an EV abroad is no more complicated than taking longer journeys at home. Get the right apps, plan your route and your breaks and you can sit back and enjoy the drive.”

He continued: “Required paperwork for drivers varies by country and businesses that allow their drivers to take company cars abroad should play their part in getting the necessary documentation and insurance in place.

“Consequences of not having the VE103B certificate vary immensely across borders, and depending on the local rules, not having one could lead to the company car being impounded abroad.

“It goes without saying that this could have a negative impact far beyond ruining a family holiday.” 

Venson checklist for electric driving abroad

• Check charging options – EV drivers should research charging stations available along their route and ensure they will be able to access the relevant networks, whether through a UK-based account or a paid-for multi-network service/app. If camping, check the site allows EV charging on the pitch and if necessary, pack the right adapter for a campsite electric hookup.
• Get covered – Drivers need insurance to cover their trip abroad and roadside assistance. 
• Know the rules – It is important drivers familiarise themselves with local driving rules. If laws or speed limits are broken, foreign police forces can prosecute drivers even once they return to the UK. 
• Get your stickers – UK vehicles will require certain stickers before leaving home shores: a UK sticker (if UK is not featured on the number plate or the vehicle still has a pre-Brexit GB sticker), headlight converter stickers unless the beam can be manually adjusted and emissions stickers if visiting certain cities. 
• All aboard – As well as the relevant paperwork and VE103B/V5C, many countries require all drivers to carry certain emergency equipment inside the car, such as reflective vests, a fire extinguisher and warning triangles.  
• Good to go – To help avoid the risk of a breakdown, vehicles should have a health check before travelling overseas. Tyre pressure and tread, fluid levels, wiper blade condition and light bulbs are some of the most important items to check. 

Further information on driving abroad as well as the specific requirements and regulations for each country can be found on the GOV.UK website.