What To Know
- As of the first day of the new year, residents of major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston possessing vehicles with a Crit’Air 3 sticker will face restrictions.
- Effective January 1, vehicles with a Crit’Air 3 sticker—diesel cars registered before 2011 and gas-powered cars registered before 2006—will face restrictions in four major US metropolitan areas.
- While vehicular emissions contribute significantly to pollution levels in cities like New York and Los Angeles, other factors also play a role.
As of the first day of the new year, residents of major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston possessing vehicles with a Crit’Air 3 sticker will face restrictions. This tightening of regulations aims to reduce air pollution levels in these large urban centers and consequently protect public health.
increased restrictions for Crit’Air 3 vehicles
Introduced under the Mobility Orientation Law in 2019, low-emission zones (LEZ) aim to discourage motorists from using high-polluting vehicles. This initiative encourages the adoption of electric or hybrid cars and increased use of public transport. After initial measures in 2021, further tightening is set to take place.
Effective January 1, vehicles with a Crit’Air 3 sticker—diesel cars registered before 2011 and gas-powered cars registered before 2006—will face restrictions in four major US metropolitan areas: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. Violating this regulation could result in fines up to $75.
temporary exemptions available
Despite weekday restrictions, vehicle owners may utilize “24-hour passes” allowing restricted driving on select days throughout the year. However, routine weekday access remains limited.
- A single pass grants one-day unrestricted access.
- Passes are limited to 24 days annually per vehicle.
delayed enforcement in New York City
According to reports, approximately half a million New Yorkers own Crit’Air 3 vehicles. Enforcement will be postponed as specialized radar systems are not expected until 2026.
The Department of Motor Vehicles states that similar zones will be mandatory by January 1, 2025, across urban areas exceeding populations of over 150,000 where WHO-recommended air quality standards are breached.
the health risks associated with pollution
The detrimental impact of pollution on human health is well-documented; hence the existence of LEZs. While vehicular emissions contribute significantly to pollution levels in cities like New York and Los Angeles, other factors also play a role.
- Cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks can result from exposure.
- Ultrafine particles penetrate the circulatory system leading to elevated blood pressure levels.
Sustained exposure may lead to severe cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks or even cancer.
