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Low Emission Zones in Spain

10 Low Emission Zones

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Overview

Spain operates 10 Low Emission Zones known as ZBE (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones). Major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Seville have established ZBEs that restrict vehicle access based on the DGT environmental label system. Since 2023, all Spanish municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants are required to establish a ZBE.

The DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) classifies vehicles into five categories: Zero Emissions (0), ECO, C, B, and A (or no label). Vehicles without any DGT label are generally banned from all ZBEs. The specific restrictions vary by city, with Madrid and Barcelona having the most established and strictly enforced zones.

Regulations

Spain uses the DGT environmental label system to classify vehicles. The labels are: 0 (Zero Emissions) for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, ECO for hybrids and CNG/LPG vehicles, C for petrol Euro 4+ and diesel Euro 6+, B for petrol Euro 3 and diesel Euro 4-5, and A or no label for older vehicles that do not qualify.

Vehicles without a DGT label are banned from entering ZBEs. The fines vary by city but are typically €200 for unauthorized entry. In Madrid (Madrid 360), fines can be issued automatically through camera enforcement.

Foreign-registered vehicles are not issued DGT labels automatically. Visitors must register their vehicle with the local authority or DGT to obtain permission to enter a ZBE. Some cities offer temporary registration through their municipal websites.

Who must comply

ZBE restrictions apply to all motor vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds. The specific restrictions depend on the city and the DGT label category.

Zones — 10

ZBE Barcelona
ZBE Barcelona
ZBE Bilbao
ZBE Bilbao
Coming soon
ZBE Donostia-San Sebastián
ZBE Granada
ZBE Granada
ZBE Madrid
ZBE Madrid
ZBE Málaga
ZBE Málaga
ZBE Palma
ZBE Palma
ZBE Sevilla
ZBE Sevilla
Coming soon
ZBE Valencia
ZBE Valladolid
ZBE Valladolid

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a DGT environmental label for a foreign vehicle?
Foreign vehicles are not automatically assigned DGT labels. You must register your vehicle with the DGT or the local municipal authority of the city you plan to visit. Some cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer online registration portals for foreign vehicles. Check the specific city's ZBE website before traveling.
What is the difference between Madrid 360 and Barcelona ZBE?
Madrid 360 restricts the most polluting vehicles (no DGT label) from the entire city within the M-30 ring road. Barcelona's ZBE (Rondes de Barcelona) covers the city center and restricts vehicles without a label on weekdays. Both cities use camera enforcement, but the geographic scope and schedules differ.
Are rental cars in Spain equipped with a DGT label?
Yes. All rental cars registered in Spain will have the appropriate DGT environmental label on the windshield. You do not need to obtain a separate label when renting a car from a Spanish rental company.
Can I drive through a Spanish ZBE without stopping?
No. There is no transit exemption. If your vehicle does not have the required DGT label or is not registered with the local authority, you may not enter the ZBE for any reason. You must route around the restricted area.
Do Spanish ZBE restrictions apply on weekends?
It depends on the city. Barcelona's ZBE restrictions apply Monday to Friday during certain hours. Madrid 360 operates 24/7. Each city sets its own schedule. Always verify the specific rules for the ZBE you plan to enter.
What happens during high-pollution episodes in Spanish cities?
During high-pollution episodes (episodios de contaminación), cities may temporarily tighten restrictions, banning vehicles with label B in addition to those without a label. Madrid has a detailed pollution protocol that progressively restricts more vehicle categories as pollution levels rise.

Check your vehicle compliance

Use our API to instantly verify if your vehicle can enter any of Spain's 10 Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, from Madrid to Barcelona.

API Reference →