The short answer
- • MHEV (mild hybrid): treated the same as a conventional petrol or diesel — Crit'Air 1 (petrol, post-2011) or Crit'Air 2 (diesel, post-Sept 2015)
- • PHEV (plug-in hybrid): typically Crit'Air 1 if it meets Euro 5 or Euro 6 (most registered from 2011 onwards)
- • Full self-charging hybrid (e.g. Toyota Prius, Yaris Hybrid): treated as petrol — typically Crit'Air 1 from 2011 onwards
- • Fully electric or hydrogen: Crit'Air 0 — the only vehicles with no ZFE restrictions
Yes — mild hybrids (MHEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and full self-charging hybrids all need a Crit'Air sticker to drive in French low-emission zones (ZFEs). There are no exemptions for hybrid vehicles. The only vehicles that avoid ZFE restrictions entirely are fully electric and hydrogen cars, which qualify for Crit'Air 0.
What category is an MHEV?
A mild hybrid (MHEV) is classified based on its primary fuel type and first registration date — the same as a conventional petrol or diesel car. The mild hybrid system itself does not change the category.
Petrol MHEV — Crit'Air 1
Registered from January 2011 onwards. Covers the vast majority of current petrol mild hybrids — Audi, Volvo, Ford, Land Rover, Range Rover, Mercedes, and most mainstream manufacturers.
Diesel MHEV — Crit'Air 2
Registered from September 2015 onwards. Both categories are accepted in all current French ZFEs under normal conditions.
What category is a PHEV?
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a petrol engine typically qualifies for Crit'Air 1 (purple), provided it meets Euro 5 or Euro 6 standards. Most PHEVs registered from 2011 onwards fall into this category.
The key factor is your registration date and the Euro standard your vehicle was certified to — not whether you can drive on electric power alone. The ZFE system is based on emissions certification, not real-world fuel usage.
What about full self-charging hybrids?
Full hybrids — such as the Toyota Prius, Yaris Hybrid, and Honda Jazz Hybrid — are treated as petrol hybrids for Crit'Air purposes and typically qualify for Crit'Air 1 if registered from 2011 onwards.
The self-charging element does not affect the classification. What matters is the fuel type on your V5C logbook and the registration year.
Not sure which category applies to your hybrid?
Use our free Crit'Air category tool — enter your fuel type and registration year and we'll tell you your category in seconds. Or just order through us and we'll classify your vehicle from your V5C.
Order your Crit'Air sticker — we handle hybrid applications
Not sure which category your hybrid falls into? Upload your V5C and we take care of everything — classification, application, and delivery — in English.
What you get with Euro Permits
- ✓ Digital certificate emailed within 24–48 hours
- ✓ Physical sticker sent directly to your UK address
- ✓ All hybrid types handled including MHEV and PHEV
- ✓ £19.95 all-in including the French government fee
Frequently asked questions
Does a mild hybrid (MHEV) count as electric for Crit'Air?
No. Mild hybrids are classified the same as their primary fuel type — petrol or diesel. Only fully electric vehicles qualify for Crit'Air 0.
Is a PHEV exempt from French ZFE zones?
No. PHEVs require a Crit'Air sticker and are subject to the same ZFE restrictions as any other vehicle. Most modern PHEVs qualify for Crit'Air 1, which gives access to all current permanent ZFEs.
What Crit'Air category is a Toyota Yaris Hybrid?
A Toyota Yaris Hybrid registered from January 2011 onwards is typically Crit'Air 1. It is classified as a petrol vehicle for Crit'Air purposes.
What Crit'Air category is a Range Rover PHEV?
A Range Rover PHEV registered from 2011 onwards is typically Crit'Air 1, as it meets Euro 5 or Euro 6 petrol standards. Upload your V5C and we will confirm the correct category when you order.
Does a diesel MHEV get a better Crit'Air category than a regular diesel?
No. A diesel mild hybrid is classified the same as an equivalent diesel car. A diesel MHEV registered from September 2015 onwards will be Crit'Air 2 — the same as a standard Euro 6 diesel.