The introduction of low-emission mobility zones (ZFE) in France, aimed at reducing air pollution in urban areas, has sparked concerns about their impact on lower-income households, especially those living outside city centers. These zones restrict the use of older, more polluting vehicles, which are classified under the Crit'Air system—specifically levels 3, 4, and 5. In the 3rd arrondissement of Marseille, one of the poorest areas in France, more than half of the vehicles fall into these categories, making residents particularly vulnerable to the restrictions. Although financial incentives like the ecological bonus (up to 7,000 euros) and the conversion premium (up to 6,000 euros) are available to help people replace their vehicles, France Urbaine estimates that about half of eligible households do not take advantage of these aids, often due to complex administrative procedures. The ZFE was established under the Climate and Resilience Act of 2021 with the goal of reducing emissions of fine particles, which are linked to thousands of premature deaths each year. However, a 2023 senatorial report warned that the rapid rollout of these zones, without sufficient support for affected communities, could unfairly burden financially vulnerable households. A study of the Greater Paris area found that vehicle owners in the most polluting categories are more likely to be located outside the ZFE zones and come from modest-income backgrounds. This challenges the common belief that wealthier urban residents are the main users of older, polluting vehicles. Rising housing costs in major French cities have increasingly forced lower-income families to move to peri-urban or rural areas, where public transportation is often limited. These families now face a double challenge: geographic distance from city centers and the need for a reliable vehicle to access essential services. Replacing an older, polluting car with a newer electric or hybrid model is a major financial hurdle for many. In spring 2026, Parliament attempted to abolish the legal framework of the ZFE as part of a broader simplification law. However, the Constitutional Council blocked this move, highlighting the ongoing tension between environmental goals and social equity. Critics argue that the ZFE has created new areas of exclusion rather than achieving the intended public health benefits. The debate continues over how to balance climate action with social justice, ensuring that environmental policies do not disproportionately harm those with fewer resources.