Paris, December 23, 2025 – In a move that has surprised many, the Métropole du Grand Paris has announced the extension of its Low Emission Zone (ZFE) throughout 2026, despite a vote in the National Assembly in May 2025 to abolish such zones. This decision, confirmed by Automobile Propre, means that motorists in the 131 communes of Grand Paris will continue to face the existing restrictions on vehicle circulation.
Abolition Vote Overturned by Local Authority
Earlier this year, a significant number of motorists in the Île-de-France region believed that the ZFE scheme was on its way out. The National Assembly had voted to abolish ZFEs as part of a bill aimed at economic simplification. This widely publicized decision created an impression of a major shift in air pollution policy. However, just a few months later, the reality for drivers in Grand Paris is proving to be quite different.
The Métropole du Grand Paris, drawing on the powers granted by the 2021 Climate and Resilience Law, has opted to adapt the ZFE modalities locally. Patrick Ollier, President of the Métropole, emphasized a pragmatic approach, aiming for a “responsible and reasonable” ZFE, while reaffirming public health protection as a political priority.
What Changes (or Doesn’t Change) for 2026?
For motorists, the practical implications for 2026 will largely mirror those of 2025. The current rules will remain in effect for the entire upcoming year. The Métropole intends to maintain a “pedagogical phase,” during which no automatic penalties will be issued. This period is officially designed to support users rather than to sanction them, even as the restrictions formally apply.
Existing support measures will also be renewed. The 24-hour ZFE Pass will continue to allow non-compliant vehicles to circulate occasionally within the designated area. Temporary exemptions will also remain available for professionals whose activities directly depend on vehicle use. Effectively, vehicles classified as Crit’Air 3, 4, and 5 will continue to be subject to circulation limitations.
The Métropole du Grand Paris justifies this extension as a necessary balance between environmental concerns and social realities. The institution advocates for a public health tool that is locally adjusted, rather than a sudden national abolition.
Motorists Express Disappointment
This decision is unlikely to be met with approval from motorists, many of whom are already unable to use their older vehicles due to the existing regulations. The struggle between environmental objectives and the daily realities of citizens continues to be a contentious issue in the region.
The extension of the ZFE in Grand Paris highlights the ongoing complexities and differing interpretations of environmental policies between national and local authorities in France. While the aim is to reduce pollution, the impact on vehicle owners, especially those with older models, remains a significant concern.
This development underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of urban environmental regulations, where legislative decisions at a national level can be reinterpreted or modified by local governing bodies.
