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Low Emission Zones in the Netherlands

17 Low Emission Zones

Lees in het Nederlands →

Overview

The Netherlands operates 17 Low Emission Zones known as Milieuzones, located in major cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Eindhoven. Unlike many European countries, the Netherlands does not use a sticker or vignette system. Instead, enforcement is fully automated through ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras.

Dutch Milieuzones apply different restrictions depending on the vehicle type. Trucks, vans, passenger cars, and mopeds each have separate rules. Several cities have introduced Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ) for city logistics, requiring fully electric delivery vehicles in designated areas.

Regulations

The Netherlands enforces its Milieuzones through an extensive network of ANPR cameras that automatically read license plates and check vehicle registration data. There is no sticker or vignette to purchase. Your vehicle's emissions data is checked against the zone requirements in real time.

Fines vary by vehicle type. Driving a non-compliant vehicle into a Milieuzone results in an automatic fine sent to the registered owner. Foreign vehicles are also subject to enforcement, as Dutch authorities can access European vehicle registration databases.

Some cities operate Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ) for delivery vehicles and logistics, where only fully electric vehicles are permitted. These zones are being progressively expanded.

Who must comply

Milieuzone restrictions vary significantly by vehicle category and by city. Each municipality sets its own rules within the national framework.

Zones — 17

Milieuzone Amsterdam
Milieuzone Amsterdam
Zero-Emission Zone Amsterdam
Zero-Emission Zone Amsterdam
Milieuzone Arnhem
Milieuzone Arnhem
Coming soon
Milieuzone Breda
Coming soon
Milieuzone Delft
Milieuzone Den Haag
Milieuzone Den Haag
Coming soon
Zero-Emission Zone Den Haag
Milieuzone Eindhoven
Milieuzone Eindhoven
Coming soon
Zero-Emission Zone Eindhoven
Coming soon
Zero-Emission Zone Groningen
Milieuzone Maastricht
Milieuzone Maastricht
Coming soon
Milieuzone Rijswijk
Coming soon
Milieuzone Rotterdam
Coming soon
Zero-Emission Zone Rotterdam
Coming soon
Zero-Emission Zone Tilburg
Milieuzone Utrecht
Milieuzone Utrecht
Coming soon
Zero-Emission Zone Utrecht

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sticker or vignette for Dutch Milieuzones?
No. The Netherlands does not use a sticker system. Enforcement is fully automated through ANPR cameras that read your license plate and check your vehicle's emissions data against government databases. There is nothing to buy or display.
How are foreign vehicles enforced in Dutch Milieuzones?
Dutch ANPR cameras can identify foreign license plates, and authorities have access to European vehicle registration databases. If your vehicle is non-compliant, a fine will be sent to the registered address. This applies to vehicles from all EU and EEA countries.
What is a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ)?
Several Dutch cities have introduced Zero Emission Zones where only fully electric vehicles are allowed. These currently apply mainly to delivery vehicles and city logistics. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and other cities operate or are planning ZEZ areas.
Are petrol cars affected by Dutch Milieuzones?
Generally, petrol cars are not restricted in standard Milieuzones. The restrictions primarily target older diesel vehicles. However, Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ) do restrict all non-electric vehicles, including petrol cars, for commercial deliveries.
Which Dutch cities have the strictest Milieuzones?
Amsterdam and Rotterdam have the most comprehensive restrictions, banning diesel passenger cars from roughly 2005 and older. Utrecht, The Hague, and Eindhoven also have significant Milieuzones. Restrictions are being tightened regularly across all cities.

Check your vehicle compliance

Use our API to instantly verify if your vehicle can enter any of the Netherlands' 17 Milieuzones, from Amsterdam to Eindhoven.

API Reference →