Low-emission zones are not the only way cities and municipalities are going about their efforts to make traffic more environmentally friendly. New regulations are being introduced all the time to supplement low-emission zone rules or to make traffic safer. In France and Switzerland, for example, further regulations are in force that require more than just an environmental sticker to drive - for increased road safety and a greener traffic future. In Switzerland, the Stick'Air sticker is compulsory, and in France the Angles Morts sticker. But what are they exactly and how do they work? Green-Zones® explains everything you need to know.
Stick'Air sticker
A differentiated traffic system has been in force in Geneva (Switzerland) since January 2020. If the emission situation in the city reaches elevated peak values, the access of vehicles with the strongest pollution potential is generally prohibited during the day. Geographically, the entire centre of the canton is affected - that is, the city of Geneva and part of the surrounding municipalities of Carouge, Cologny, Lancy and Vernier - with the only exception being the motorway. For example, during smog warnings, only cars with an approved Stick'Air sticker can drive within the affected area between 6 am and 10 pm. When the zone is activated, it is important that the sticker is visible on the vehicle to avoid hefty fines - and unwanted emissions.
In this respect, traffic of all vehicle classes is managed by the rules of differentiated traffic. And this is the case regardless of whether they come from Geneva, another canton or from abroad. Different vehicles, however, receive different stickers based on the type of vehicle and the emission produced - according to an allocation system similar to that of the French sticker. Because the main objective of the measure remains to reduce traffic and the corresponding emissions - the different phases are based on the current air quality values.
Consequently, it is the city that decides, based on air measurements, which category will be affected by the sticker requirement and the driving ban on that day - but at least sticker 5 will be banned. Only a few exceptions are foreseen. For example, emergency vehicles of police and rescue forces, vehicles for people with limited mobility, taxis and agricultural vehicles are unaffected.
The penalty remains the same for all traffic offenders and is around 455 euros. For anyone planning to be on the road in Geneva and the canton, displaying a Stick'Air sticker is essential - as well as finding out if, when and which ban level applies. You can stay informed about all advance warnings and driving bans via our Green Zone app.
Angles Morts sticker (blind spot sticker)
Since January 2021, it has been a legal requirement in France (StVO R.313-32-1) that all vehicles and trailers weighing at least 3.5 tonnes must have an "Angles Morts" (i.e. blind spot) sticker. This is a visual warning sign that draws attention to the blind spot in road traffic. The sticker therefore serves as a warning to other road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, that the vehicle has blind spots. This way they are warned and better adjust to the danger.
The regulation applies to all vehicles and trailers throughout France - regardless of whether they were registered domestically or abroad. More specifically, the following vehicles are affected by the sticker requirement: Motorhomes (M1), minibuses (M2), coaches (M3) and lorries (N2, N3). In total, however, there are only two types of Angles Morts stickers: one for trucks and one for buses - with corresponding illustrations. By law, motorhomes require the sticker for buses.
Only agricultural and forestry machines, winter service vehicles, emergency vehicles and motor vehicles are exempt from the obligation - as well as trailers that do not have the possibility to attach side and/or rear markings due to their construction.
Failure to comply with this regulation can be costly for the person concerned, as France imposes a fine of up to 750 euros. It is therefore important that all vehicle owners affected by this regulation affix the "Angles Morts" sticker. Some formal details must be observed. At least three Angles Morts stickers must be affixed to the vehicle, on both sides and at the rear of the vehicle. For a lorry with a semi-trailer, even up to 6 stickers are required. Meanwhile, in the case of a truck with a box body and an additional trailer, both the trailer and the truck require 3 stickers each. For all vehicles, however, the sticker must not be affixed to the side or rear windows - to avoid impairing the driver's view.
And, do you need a blind spot sticker or a stick'air sticker? Then visit our shop! You will of course find detailed information about the products.
Don't forget all the active environmental zone regulations and diesel driving bans - in France, Switzerland and the rest of Europe. As always, all information is available on our website and in the Green-Zones app.