www.jec.org.uk

I regularly drive all over Europe in my XF which in line with French Law displays a Crit' Air sticker for driving in France. This year I will be attending the Classic Le Mans racing in my XJS and so applied for a Crit' Air sticker for my 1993 XJS 4.0. The French Government site states that the car does not qualify for a clean air rating at any level. French law states that all cars driving in France should display a Crit' Air sticker and can issue fines for non-compliance. So where does that leave classic car drivers?
I expect other members have experienced this and wonder how they got round it - or just ignored it!
As always, everyone's views appreciated and valued.
Thank you

I did some investigation into this for a friend who wanted to take his 1992 XJS 4.0 to France this coming summer and found this article online:

https://www.connexionfrance.com/article ... lassic-car

It seems that the bottom line is that cars older than 30 years are exempt from having to display a Crit’Air sticker and the French equivalent of a V5c is acceptable as proof of its age.

Non-French cars are currently not catered for, so are in a sort of grey area, however, enforcement is down to each individual police person's discretion, so you may be ok.

You have to hope that this is sorted by the time the automatic camera enforcement come online in the next 18 months.

The only things I told my friend was to take their V5c (which they were anyway) and their heritage certificate, which had the car's build date on it. The other bit of advice that a Canadian policeman friend once gave me, which is advice I live by, is if you have to, to only break one law at a time, as you're much less likely to get caught in the first place, and more likely to be let off if you are caught. In this case, if your car is a potential issue, make sure you've got everything else sorted to their satisfaction (hi vis tabbard, fire extinguisher, breath tester and all the documents etc).

Also, when you're there do not drink even a sip of alcohol before driving.

I hope the trip is uneventful!

SimonR, thank you for your very helpful response. Happily the car is in very good condition and I carry all the requirements of French law.
I will have evidence of the car's age with me, so on what you say, hope I will be waived on my way
I know France well and have spent time working there, I know the police are very hot on drink drive issues, especially around Le Mans.
Once again, Many thanks, Jerome

Just to add to Simon's helpful advice:

- The cut-off limit for CritAir compliance is vehicles registered from January 1997, so all XJSs will be ok

- You don't have to have a breath tester any more in France, or a fire extinguisher, although both are recommended. In the same vein, a spare bulb kit is now not mandatory but is always recommended,

- But you do have to carry a Warning triangle

- Also remember that you have to carry a Hi-Vis jacket for EACH person in the car, AND they must be carried inside the car, NOT in the boot, unless it is accessible from the passenger cabin.

Safe journey!

Paul

Paul, thank you so much for the update. Being a belt and braces kind of chap I probably carry much more than required.
Nonetheless, all the help and advice I get from this forum goes a long way to ensuring trouble free motoring in Europe.
Many thanks,
Jerome

Similarly I carry far more than I ever need! As regards spare parts, I always carry spare fuses, a fan belt, a thermostat, some spark plugs, an injector and a crank sensor. This ensures that none of those parts will be the ones that actually break down!

Whereas, gaffer tape, tie-wraps, plastic-coated wire, insulating tape and a decent socket set will always be your friend and get you out of most problems!


Paul

Whereas, gaffer tape, tie-wraps, plastic-coated wire, insulating tape and a decent socket set will always be your friend and get you out of most problems!

Great for kidnapping as well Paul!

On the subject of taking a Jaguar to Le Mans, I meant to add that back in the early 2000s I took my XJ-S to the Le Mans 24h race many times, and had an amazing time both at the race and driving to and from.

I forget the name of the A road the leads from the toll road to Le Mans itself, however, on several occasions I saw policemen dressed in camouflage, lying in the verge with a speed gun. A dastardly trick!