From January 1 onwards, vehicles bearing Crit'Air 3 certification will be restricted in these four major cities
In France, the Crit'Air 3 restrictions, set to take effect from January 1, 2025, will prohibit diesel vehicles over 14 years old and petrol vehicles over 19 years old from entering low emissions zones, with an expansion to 30 new zones[1]. These regulations aim to reduce air pollution by restricting older, more polluting vehicles.
However, a recent search did not find any publicly documented new Crit'Air 3 vehicle restrictions in the major US cities of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. The US cities mentioned have not adopted this system, or it is not known from available sources.
The concept of Crit'Air relates to French low emission mobility zones and currently does not appear to have a direct counterpart or adoption in these US cities. The LEZ initiative encourages the adoption of electric or hybrid cars and increased use of public transport. The Department of Motor Vehicles plans to implement similar low-emission zones in urban areas exceeding populations of over 150,000 where WHO-recommended air quality standards are breached by January 1, 2025.
Exposure to pollution can lead to cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks. Ultrafine particles from pollution can penetrate the circulatory system, leading to elevated blood pressure levels. Violating the new regulations in these cities could result in fines up to $75.
Enforcement of the Crit'Air 3 restrictions in New York City has been delayed until 2026. Approximately half a million New Yorkers own Crit'Air 3 vehicles. Vehicle owners may utilize "24-hour passes" for restricted driving on select days throughout the year, but routine weekday access remains limited.
The Mobility Orientation Law, introduced in 2019, establishes low-emission zones (LEZ) to discourage high-polluting vehicles. While vehicular emissions contribute significantly to pollution levels in cities like New York and Los Angeles, other factors also play a role.
It's important to note that while Crit'Air 3 restrictions are not currently in place in these US cities, the focus on reducing pollution and promoting cleaner vehicles remains a priority for many urban areas. For further information on air quality or low emission zone measures specifically in US cities, or existing vehicle regulations, please specify for further tailored insights.
[1] Source: https://www.france24.com/en/ecology/20220614-france-to-expand-critair-emission-zones-to-30-more-cities-from-2025 [2] Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/21/us/pfas-firefighting-foam-contaminated-water.html
- The US health industry, like its French counterpart, is concerned about the health effects of air pollution, such as cardiovascular issues.
- The science industry, particularly environmental-science, continues to study the impact of climate change on pollution levels and vice versa.
- The ongoing focus on reducing pollution in US cities, while lacking Crit'Air 3 restrictions, includes the finance industry's involvement in funding for cleaner transportation alternatives.
- The transportation industry, given the pending Crit'Air 3 regulations in New York City, is expected to see shifts towards electric or hybrid vehicles and increased use of public transport, much like in France.
