In an effort to reduce both noise and air pollution in the city, Paris officials will be banning cars made before 1997 in the capital. The restriction will be effective starting July and cars older than 19 years will not be allowed to drive in Paris from 8 AM to 8 PM during weekdays.

Late last year, Paris officials also implemented a temporary restriction of car usage in one section of the city. Just last month, city officials also decided to ban cars on popular roads for “Pedestrian Day” which would be held once a month. These car restriction measures are what the city calls the Paris Respire anti-pollution program. The program was made in response to the increasing levels of particulates measured in the city, as well as decreasing noise pollution levels. During the course of the two previous restriction programs, measured pollution levels were, according to city officials, significantly lower than on a regular day.

People caught driving around the city in their pre-1997 (registered before December 31, 1996) car will face a fine that ranges from 35 Euros to 350 Euros. Even stricter rules apply to scooters and motorcycles with a ban on models made before the year 2000. Like the cars, pre-2000 motorcycles will not be allowed to travel within the city from 8 AM to 8 PM. The restriction is lifted during weekends. According to the city's records, up to 30,000 vehicles (both cars and motorcycles) will be affected by the new rule.

By 2020, government officials aim for a total ban on cars made before 1997 in the city. Also by 2020, Paris will also be implementing a restriction on cars made before 2010. The move hopes to see consumers switching to hybrid or electric cars for less air and noise pollution around the city.