are electric cars also banned?

Entered into force a few days ago, does the Paris ZTL also concern electric cars? We explain everything to you!

At the end of the year, the Paris town hall continues to attack motorists and make their lives difficult, a few weeks after having lowered the maximum speed on the ring road. Thus, since November 5, 2024, the councilor has established a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) within the capital, and more precisely in the first four districts, with the aim of reducing transit traffic within its perimeter and encourage more sustainable mobility.

What about electric cars in the ZLT?

Only vehicles whose origin or destination is the streets of this sector are authorized to enter it, while transit traffic, that is to say vehicles crossing this zone without stopping there, is now prohibited. The establishment of this ZTL in Paris Center is inspired by similar projects in cities such as Madrid, Milan and Rome, which have already adopted this type of zone to limit traffic-related nuisances. This measure aims to reduce. traffic jams, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise pollution, while promoting active mobility such as walking or cycling, as well as public transport. Ultimately, the ZTL also aims to free up public space for pedestrians and facilitate access to shops for local residents, by reducing the space for cars in transit which do not directly benefit local economic activity. But if traffic in the first four districts is prohibited, are electric cars also affected by this very controversial measure? We will explain it to you.

Cars also banned

Well the answer may seem surprising, but you should know that this ZTL does not make a distinction according to the engine of the vehicles, unlike the Low Emission Zones (ZFE) which prohibit access to the most polluting vehicles. Here, the ban concerns the type of journey: electric or hybrid vehicles must comply with the same rules as thermal vehicles. In other words, the fact that a vehicle is low or zero emission does not give it the right to pass through the zone if it does not stop there. However, you should know that people needing to enter the ZTL, whether for reasons professional or personalwill be able to continue to do so by justifying their destination, but those who previously used this space as a shortcut will now have to bypass the area. Signs and controls have been put in place to enforce these new regulations. Later, cameras will also be installed to monitor entries into the area and fine offenders. But in the meantime, Paris town hall has established a three-month educational period.

The consequences of this ZTL will be closely monitored by municipal authorities and mobility experts. If the results prove positive, other areas of Paris could consider a similar measure to relieve traffic congestion and encourage more rational use of the car in urban areas.