Paris banned all cars with even number plates for the first time in nearly 20 years to fight sky-high pollution on Monday but opted not to extend the measure after an improvement in air quality, Agence France-Presse reported.
To ensure only cars with plates where numbers end with an odd digit were out on the streets, about 700 police officers were deployed to man 60 checkpoints around the French capital, infuriating motorist organizations.
Since Friday, public transport has been free to persuade Parisians to leave their cars at home, and at rush hour on Monday morning.
As drivers grudgingly conformed to the ruling, authorities noted that there was only half the usual number of traffic jams.
According to AFP, some, though, appeared unaware of the restrictions that came into force across Paris and 22 surrounding areas from 5:30 am (0430 GMT) - or chose to ignore them.
"It's great, it's a fantastic decision and you are doing marvelous work," a young motorist sarcastically told the police who fined him for violating the ban.
Ecology Minister Philippe Martin said Monday's ban has "led to results" showing "a clear trend of improvement" which meant it would not be necessary to continue the measure into Tuesday.
He thanked the public for their cooperation, and said "90 percent of the cars on the city's roads today had odd number plates."
After pollution particulates in the air exceeded safe levels for five straight days in Paris and neighboring areas, enveloping the Eiffel Tower in a murky haze, the government decided to implement the ban on Saturday.
On Monday, Airparif, an official monitor for air quality in Paris and neighboring areas, said pollution levels had since fallen.
"Those who chose to defy the ban risked a fine of 22 euros ($30) if paid immediately, or 35 euros if paid within three days," AFP reported.
By midday on Monday, Paris police said they had doled out nearly 4,000 fines to drivers not respecting the restriction.
Electric and hybrid cars, as well as any vehicle carrying three people or more, were exempted from the ban - the first of its kind since 1997.
