Windscreen stickers in 2026: what you must display and why

Here is everything you need to know on the subject.

In 2026, you’ll be surprised to learn that there are now almost no stickers you must legally display on your vehicle’s windscreen. If we say “almost”, it’s because there are a few important nuances depending on your circumstances. In some cities, having a ZFE sticker is even mandatory. This is a good opportunity to go through, in more detail, some of the questions you may be asking.

What about the insurance sticker?

Since 2024, the familiar green insurance disc that motorists used to display has been phased out. While you no longer have to show it on your windscreen, you still must take out car insurance before driving. As Auto Plus points out, the absolute minimum required is third-party cover, also known as civil liability.

As for the MOT, it also remains compulsory from your vehicle’s fourth anniversary, and then every two years. The testing centre will then place a sticker showing the test’s expiry date. Although displaying this “MOT” sticker is a longstanding habit, it is not actually required. However, if the police stop you at the roadside, you must be able to provide the MOT test certificate and the validating sticker on the V5C registration certificate.

And ZFE?

Low Emission Zones (ZFE) are urban areas where access is restricted for the most polluting vehicles. The aim is to improve air quality by cutting harmful emissions such as fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, and to encourage people to adopt more environmentally friendly ways of getting around. Even if this scheme could be withdrawn in the near future, it is still in force at the time of writing.

In some major cities, it has therefore become compulsory to display a Crit’air sticker in order to drive. In Lyon and even Paris, Crit’air 3 vehicles and above are no longer allowed to circulate at all. It’s also worth noting that the roll-out of the scheme has led to numerous scams, so you should order your sticker via the official website.

Finally, Auto Plus highlights a few less common-yet real-situations. This includes mandatory stickers for residents’ parking permits in certain towns, or permits required to travel to your workplace. Hopefully, this makes the steps to follow and the rules that apply in 2026 much clearer.