Low emission zones (LEZs) have revolutionized urban mobility and the daily lives of millions of citizens in Spain and Europe. This concept, which often raises questions and concerns among drivers and residents of both large and small cities, is at the heart of the latest environmental legislation and is a fundamental tool in the fight against pollution and climate change.
With the entry into force of both national and community regulations, More and more municipalities are forced to implement these restricted areas for polluting vehicle traffic. Understanding exactly what they are, how they work, what vehicles can use them, and what penalties can result from not complying with them is key to adapting to new urban mobility and avoiding unpleasant surprises.
What are low-emission zones and why are they being implemented?
Low emission zones (LEZs) are delimited urban spaces where access is totally or partially restricted, the circulation and parking of vehicles based on their level of polluting emissions. The main objective of these areas is to improve the air quality and protect people's health, while moving toward more sustainable mobility and helping to mitigate climate change.
The implementation of LEZs is not an isolated decision by cities, but rather responds to the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law., approved in Spain in 2021, which requires the creation of these zones in all municipalities with more than 50.000 inhabitants, as well as in those with more than 20.000 that exceed certain pollution limits. This measure is in line with European guidelines and follows a growing trend across Europe, where more than 320 cities already have active LEZs or are in the process of implementing them.
How do LEZs work? Regulations and main characteristics
The operation of the LEZs varies according to the city, but there are common characteristics and general guidelines established by state regulations:
- Geographical delimitation: Each municipality defines the exact perimeter of its LEZ, which must be clearly marked using vertical, illuminated panels or special ground markings.
- Access control: Access to these zones is usually monitored by cameras that read vehicle license plates to verify, in real time, whether they meet the emissions requirements for entry.
- Regulation by environmental badges: Circulation is permitted or restricted depending on the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) environmental label on the vehicle, which is classified according to its emissions.
- Exceptions and specific times: Some cities apply restrictions only during certain times (for example, in Barcelona, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 20 p.m.), and may establish exceptions for groups such as residents, people with reduced mobility, emergency vehicles, essential services, or historical services.
In short, moving around a ZBE means knowing the regulations of each locality in detail to avoid fines and move around with complete peace of mind..
Environmental labeling and vehicle classification
The cornerstone for accessing or not accessing a ZBE is the DGT environmental label, in force since April 2016.This system classifies vehicles according to their pollution level based on engine technology and year of registration, focusing primarily on NOx and PM10 emissions:
- Blue Label (ZERO): Fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids with an electric range of over 40 km, or fuel cell vehicles. Maximum environmental efficiency.
- Blue and Green Label (ECO): Non-plug-in hybrids, plug-in electric vehicles with a range of less than 40 km, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and LPG vehicles.
- Green Label (C): Gasoline-powered passenger cars and light commercial vehicles registered since 2006 and diesel vehicles registered since 2014.
- Yellow Label (B): Gasoline-powered passenger cars and light commercial vehicles registered since 2000 and diesel vehicles registered since 2006.
- no label: Vehicles manufactured before those years (gasoline before 2000, diesel before 2006). These are the most affected and, in most cases, cannot access the LEZs.
The DGT recommends that users place the environmental sticker on the lower right side of the front windshield., visible from the outside, and there are several channels to request it (Post Office, authorized workshops, administrative managers, the DGT itself, or fleet associations). To better understand how this classification affects electric mobility, you can consult This article about the battery life of an electric car.
What vehicles can access a LEZ?
Regulation of access to the LEZs is the responsibility of each municipality and can vary significantly, but in general terms:
- Vehicles with ZERO and ECO labels: They have absolute freedom of access, movement, and parking within the zones, as they are considered the least polluting.
- Vehicles with C or B labels: Access is permitted in most areas, but may be limited during periods of high pollution or for parking. In some specially protected areas, such as Madrid's Centro District, parking is only permitted in parking garages or is restricted during certain hours.
- Vehicles without an environmental label: They are practically unable to access or circulate within the LEZs, with very specific exceptions (people with reduced mobility, historic vehicles, emergency services, etc.).
Commercial vehicles, delivery vehicles, public transport vehicles and motorcycles may be subject to specific regulations., so it is essential to consult the corresponding city ordinance.
Spanish cities with LEZs: Madrid and Barcelona as prominent examples
Numerous Spanish cities have already implemented low-emission zones., and many others are in the process of defining them to comply with state regulations. Madrid and Barcelona are particularly notable, pioneers in the development and implementation of these spaces:
Madrid
- ZBE Madrid: It covers a large part of the city and establishes progressive restrictions based on the vehicle's environmental label. The Special Protection Low Emission Zones (ZBEDEP) in Plaza Elíptica and the Centro District have stricter regulations, especially for the most polluting vehicles.
- To access the ZBEDEP Centro District: Only vehicles with C and B tags may park in parking lots and cannot park on the street. Vehicles without tags are prohibited.
- exceptions: Trucks, vans, motorcycles, and mopeds registered and domiciled in Madrid (until 2025), people with reduced mobility, and historic vehicles.
- Motorcycles: Those with B, C, ECO or ZERO labels can circulate and park freely except in protected areas and at specific times.
Barcelona and its metropolitan area
- Barcelona rounds: The LEZ affects multiple municipalities in the metropolitan area and is open exclusively from Monday to Friday, from 07:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.
- Restricted access: Unlabeled vehicles and motorcycles registered before 2003, and public transport registered before 2006 or 2007. Emergency and essential services, as well as registered persons with reduced mobility, are exempt.
- Outside of these hours or outside the perimeter, any vehicle may circulate regardless of its environmental label.
Examples of LEZs in Europe and other countries
Spain is not alone in this transformation: the creation of LEZs is a booming phenomenon in the European Union and in countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. Some of the main international references are:
- London: The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) covers virtually the entire metropolitan area. Since 2019, there has also been an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) with even stricter requirements. Vehicles that do not meet these standards are subject to substantial fees or are barred from entering.
- Paris: The "Restricted Traffic Zone" has been in operation since 2015. The Climate and Resilience Act provides for LEZs in all French cities with more than 150.000 inhabitants and a national schedule for the progressive banning of polluting vehicles.
- Italy Many cities have LEZs, and some, such as Milan and Palermo, combine restrictions with urban tolls.
- Other cities: By 2020, Oxford has aspired to become the UK's first ZEZ (Zero Emissions Zone). Similar zones exist in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ireland.
Impacts on urban mobility and citizen adaptation
LEZs go far beyond limiting the use of private cars: they are transforming mobility and the configuration of cities. Its main effects and implications include:
- Promotion of sustainable means of transport: Walking, cycling, scootering, and public transportation are becoming increasingly popular, supported by infrastructure designed for walkability and cyclability.
- Support for active mobility and micromobility: The "15-minute city" concept promotes the proximity of essential services to homes, reducing the use of private vehicles.
- Boosting carsharing and efficient fleet management: The LEZs promote bicycle and car-sharing systems and the adaptation of delivery companies to less polluting vehicles.
- Relevance of the environmental label: In Spain, environmental classification has generated an entire ecosystem of tools (license plate checks, interactive maps, etc.) to monitor access conditions in real time.
Sanctions, controls and signage of the LEZs
Failure to comply with the regulations on access to the LEZs entails financial fines that vary depending on the municipality., generally around 200 euros, with possible discounts for early payment. The zones are clearly marked and usually have surveillance cameras that detect authorized vehicles by license plate.
Some cities, such as Madrid, establish warning periods during which drivers are not yet issued penalties, but are informed of the violation, facilitating gradual adaptation by citizens.
Public aid and plans to adapt to sustainable mobility
The administrations, aware of the difficulty of adapting to the LEZs, They offer lines of aid so that municipalities, companies and individuals can adapt more easily to the new mobility requirements.These grants are intended for innovation projects, the drafting of technical plans, the acquisition of less polluting vehicles, and the promotion of infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation.
The objective is to reduce the exposure and vulnerability of social and economic systems to climate change, and improve the resilience of cities to environmental disturbances.
Mobility and urban sustainability: key concepts associated with LEZs
- Walkability: Urban design that encourages walking.
- Cyclability: Spaces and infrastructure for bicycles and personal mobility vehicles.
- Micromobility: Use of means such as scooters, small electric bicycles, etc., for short journeys.
- Active and last-mile mobility: Systems that facilitate efficient delivery of goods and healthy urban mobility.
- Sustainability and urban vitality: Transforming cities into cleaner, healthier, and more resilient spaces.
LEZs are here to stay and are a key element in the future of our cities. Proper understanding and application of these regulations not only helps avoid penalties but can also become an opportunity to evolve toward cleaner, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly mobility, benefiting both individual health and collective well-being. Staying informed and adapting will be essential for moving freely in the new urban map of large and medium-sized Spanish and European cities.