Low Emission Zones (ZBE) in Spain – Madrid & Barcelona Guide 2025

Low Emission Zones (ZBEs) in Spain are transforming urban mobility, particularly in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. The Barcelona Low Emission Zone is one of the most restrictive, impacting both local and foreign-plated vehicles. If you are an expat or visitor driving in Spain, understanding ZBE regulations is essential to avoid fines and ensure compliance.

This guide will break down the key rules of ZBE Spain, focusing on the most important areas: the Barcelona Low Emission Zone, the Madrid Low Emission Zone, and other cities implementing similar restrictions. We’ll also cover how to register foreign vehicles and provide a Spain Low Emission Zone Map for easy reference.

What Are Low Emission Zones (ZBE) in Spain?

ZBEs (Zona de Bajas Emisiones, Low Emission Zone in Spanish) restrict access to high-emission vehicles, allowing only those that meet Spain LEZ environmental standards. Regulations vary by city but follow the legal framework established by the Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico. The main objectives are to:

• Improve air quality in Spanish cities.
• Reduce traffic-related pollution and promote public transport.
• Align with EU emissions reduction goals.

Vehicles must display an environmental sticker (distintivo ambiental), which determines their access eligibility.

Environmental Stickers: Can Your Car Enter a Spanish ZBE?

Spain classifies vehicles based on DGT environmental stickers:

Sticker	Allowed in ZBEs?	Vehícle type
Zero Emissions (Blue)	Yes	Electric, hydrogen, plug-in hybrids
ECO (Green & Blue)	Yes	Mild hybrids, LPG, natural gas
C (Green)	Depends on city rules	Petrol (Euro 4, 5, 6), Diesel (Euro 6)
B (Yellow)	Depends on city rules	Petrol (Euro 3), Diesel (Euro 4, 5)
A (No sticker)	Banned from all ZBEs	Older diesel & petrol cars

Foreign-plated vehicles are not eligible for Spanish DGT environmental stickers. However, in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, foreign cars must be registered to confirm their emissions category before entering a ZBE. Skip to ‘Foreign Vehicles in Spanish ZBEs’ for registration details.

Some European environmental stickers (such as the German Umweltplakette or French Crit’Air) may be considered for equivalency in certain Spanish cities. However, regulations vary, and having a foreign sticker does not guarantee automatic access to Spanish Low Emission Zones. To avoid fines, it is highly recommended to register your vehicle before entering any ZBE in Spain. You can check emissions requirements on the official DGT website.

Expats planning to stay in Spain long-term should convert their foreign plates to Spanish registration. This ensures full compliance with ZBE Spain rules and eliminates future restrictions on driving in cities like Barcelona Low Emission Zone or Madrid Low Emission Zone.

💡 Need to register your vehicle in Spain? Learn more about the process and get expert assistance on our car registration service.

Spain Low Emission Zone Map (2025): Current Cities and Regulations

Several Spanish cities have implemented Low Emission Zones (ZBEs), each with unique rules. Barcelona and Madridenforce strict measures, while Valencia and Sevilla have introduced ZBEs with more flexible regulations. However, many municipal websites lack complete information or English translations, making it difficult for non-Spanish drivers. Checking official sources is essential to stay updated.

Below are key cities with active ZBEs, though the list is expanding in 2025:

• Madrid – ZBE Madrid 360 (in Spanish) – Driving in Madrid
• Barcelona (includes Barcelona Metropolitan Area) – ZBE Rondes & Metrópolis
• Valencia – ZBE Valencia (in Spanish)
• Sevilla – ZBE Isla de la Cartuja (in Spanish)
• Zaragoza – ZBE Historic Centre (in Spanish)
• Bilbao – ZBE Bilbao (in Spanish)
• Córdoba – ZBE Historic Centre (in Spanish)
• A Coruña – ZBE La Marina – Ciudad Vieja (in Spanish)
• Pamplona – ZBE in the city centre (in Spanish)
• Almería – ZBE Almería (in Spanish)
• Pontevedra – PMUS do Concello de Pontevedra (in Galician)

📌 View the official map here for a broader overview of all active Spain Low Emission Zones.

ZBE regulations vary by city, and official websites may be inconsistent. Always check municipal websites before entering restricted areas to avoid fines. While we strive to keep this page updated, ZBE regulations frequently change. Verifying details before traveling is essential for compliance.

ZBE Regulations in Madrid: Low Emission Zones in Distrito Centro & Madrid 360

The Madrid Low Emission Zone is divided into three main areas: ZBEDEP Distrito Centro, ZBE Madrid 360, and ZBEDEP Plaza Elíptica, each with different levels of restriction:

1. ZBEDEP Distrito Centro (formerly known as Madrid Central, the most restrictive area within Madrid 360, covering the historic center of Madrid and designated as a Zona de Bajas Emisiones de Especial Protección – ZBEDEP)
2. ZBEDEP Plaza Elíptica (a specific low-emission zone focused on reducing pollution in the Plaza Elíptica area, one of Madrid’s most polluted locations)
3. ZBE Madrid 360 (encompassing the entire municipal area, with ZBEDEP Distrito Centro and ZBEDEP Plaza Elíptica as its most regulated cores)

These zones are part of Madrid’s effort to reduce pollution and improve air quality. The term ZBEDEP (Zona de Bajas Emisiones de Especial Protección) refers to areas with stricter environmental restrictions due to high pollution levels, such as Distrito Centro and Plaza Elíptica, which align with the broader Spain Low Emission Zone policies. Compared to Barcelona’s ZBEs, Madrid’s system imposes stricter access limitations in the city center but allows certain vehicles, like those with B and C stickers, to enter under specific conditions, whereas Barcelona enforces a wider ban across its metropolitan area.

ZBEDEP Distrito Centro

The Distrito Centro Low Emission Zone covers the historical center of Madrid, including neighborhoods such as Sol, Palacio, Cortes, Justicia, Universidad, and Embajadores. This zone operates 24/7, with strict access restrictions for high-emission vehicles.

• Only residents, zero-emission vehicles, ECO-labeled vehicles, and authorized services can freely enter.
• Vehicles with B and C stickers can enter only if they park in an underground public parking lot.
• Foreign vehicles must obtain prior authorization to access these zones.

Violations are monitored by smart cameras, with fines starting at €200 and increasing for repeated offenses.

ZBEDEP Plaza Elíptica

The Plaza Elíptica Low Emission Zone is one of Madrid’s most polluted areas and has been designated as a Zona de Bajas Emisiones de Especial Protección (ZBEDEP). It enforces strict measures to reduce air pollution.

• Vehicles without an environmental sticker are banned from entering the zone.
• Foreign vehicles must apply for authorization before driving within this area.
• Compliance is monitored automatically, with fines starting at €200 for violations.

ZBE Madrid 360

The Madrid 360 Low Emission Zone covers the entire municipal area of Madrid, with the following restrictions currently in place:

• Vehicles without an environmental sticker are banned from circulating in any area within the M-30 and the entire city.
• B and C sticker vehicles are prohibited from entering ZBE Distrito Centro unless they park in an authorized underground parking lot.
• Commercial and heavy-duty vehicles have specific regulations based on their emission category and age.
• Foreign-registered vehicles must request authorization before entering any restricted area.

The Madrid Low Emission Zone regulations apply to all vehicles, including foreign ones, ensuring compliance with the city’s sustainability goals. These restrictions are enforced daily, with exemptions for emergency and essential vehicles.

Registration and Compliance

Foreign vehicles must request authorization at least 20 days before accessing Madrid’s Low Emission Zones. This can be done via email or in person at the designated office. The process requires submitting documentation to verify the vehicle’s environmental classification. More details on the process are available on the official Madrid ZBE website (in Spanish).

Barcelona Low Emission Zone: Rondes BCN and ZBE Metròpolis Regulations

Barcelona has two Low Emission Zones (ZBEs):

1. ZBE Rondes BCN (Barcelona city and nearby areas, delimited by its ring roads: Ronda de Dalt and Ronda Litoral)
2. ZBE Metròpolis (covering 36 municipalities in the metropolitan area)

Both restrict access to high-emission vehicles to reduce urban pollution, aligning with the broader Barcelona Low Emission Zone policies. Each has distinct rules based on its geographic coverage and enforcement measures. ZBE Rondes BCN applies stricter controls in the central urban area, while ZBE Metròpolis extends coverage to 36 municipalities within the Área Metropolitana de Barcelona, enforcing similar but locally adapted regulations.

ZBE Rondes BCN

This primary low-emission zone covers Barcelona city and extends to key surrounding areas within the ring roads (Rondes). It operates Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 8 PM, with no restrictions on weekends or public holidays. Certain vehicle categories, such as emergency services and adapted vehicles for people with reduced mobility, may be exempt under specific conditions. The zone prohibits access to vehicles that do not meet emissions standards. Foreign-registered vehicles must apply for prior authorization to enter. Violators are automatically fined, with penalties starting at €200, enforced through smart cameras and traffic monitoring.

ZBE Metròpolis

The wider metropolitan low-emission zone includes municipalities such as L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Badalona, Cornellà de Llobregat, and Sant Adrià de Besòs, with enforcement methods that may vary significantly depending on local regulations and monitoring capabilities.

Registration and Compliance

• Foreign vehicles must register in the Metropolitan Registry of Foreign Vehicles before entering the zones.
• Vehicles that do not meet emission requirements may apply for temporary exemptions (up to 24 day passes per year).
• Enforcement is fully automated, with fines starting at €200 for a first offense and increasing progressively for repeated violations. Serious infractions can result in penalties exceeding €1,800, depending on the frequency and severity of non-compliance.

For detailed regulations and up-to-date information, visit the official ZBE Barcelona website.

Spain Low Emission Zone Map: Upcoming Spain Low Emission Zones by 2025

By 2025, all Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants must implement Low Emission Zones (ZBEs), restricting high-emission vehicles. While some cities have established operational ZBEs, others are still finalizing regulations. Each ZBE will enforce its own rules, generally aligned with existing restrictions. To drive legally in the Barcelona Low Emission Zone and other ZBEs, proper vehicle registration is required to avoid fines.

Many cities have yet to implement their ZBEs, despite being legally required to do so. Tourist hotspots like Tarragona, Reus, Marbella, Alicante, Málaga, Cádiz, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, San Sebastián, and Gijón are experiencing administrative or political delays but must enforce ZBEs soon. Newly established ZBEs will introduce varied restrictions, mainly targeting Category A vehicles (the most polluting) and foreign-registered cars that haven’t been officially matriculated in Spain.

Despite delays, the legal mandate remains in effect, and more municipalities are expected to comply soon. While each ZBE has specific regulations, they generally restrict high-emission vehicles and impose limitations on non-Spanish plates. Foreign-registered cars often face entry bans in city centers and controlled areas.

For updates on Spain’s Low Emission Zones, visit the official government website.

Foreign Vehicles in Spain Low Emission Zones: What You Need to Do

If you drive a foreign-plated vehicle in ZBE Spain, you must register it before entering restricted areas. Each city has different requirements:

• Barcelona Low Emission Zone: Foreign vehicles must be registered in the Metropolitan Registry of Foreign Vehicles. If your car meets the emissions criteria, you’ll receive long-term approval. If not, you may be eligible for up to 24 daily exemptions per year.
• Madrid Low Emission Zone: You must apply for emissions category recognition before entering. Approval is required in advance.

Short-term visitors can apply for temporary exemptions, but long-term residents must re-register their vehicle with Spanish plates within 30 to 60 days.

Avoid Fines & Drive Legally in Spain!

Register your foreign vehicle with Schengen Auto and comply with Spain’s Low Emission Zone regulations effortlessly.

Convert Your Foreign License Plate for Spain Low Emission Zone Compliance

Residents in Spain are legally required to register their foreign vehicle with Spanish plates within 30 days of becoming a resident. If the vehicle is brought due to a change of residence from another country, the deadline extends to 60 days. Non-residents can only drive a foreign-plated vehicle in Spain for a maximum of six months within a 12-month period before it must be registered. Failing to register the vehicle within the legal timeframe can result in fines starting at €200, vehicle impoundment, and increasing restrictions in Low Emission Zones (ZBE) and other urban areas. Additionally, Spanish authorities actively monitor compliance, and vehicles that exceed the six-month limit without registration may be flagged for tax evasion, leading to further penalties. Spanish authorities actively monitor compliance, especially in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Non-EU residents must complete the registration process within 60 days of establishing residency in Spain.

Why Convert to Spanish Plates?

• Unrestricted access to ZBEs: Avoid fines and drive freely.
• Legal compliance: Residents must register their foreign vehicle within 30 or 60 days, depending on their case, to avoid fines and legal issues.
• Easier insurance and resale: Spanish-registered vehicles have better insurance rates and higher resale value.
• No penalties: Using a foreign plate long-term can result in escalating fines and even vehicle confiscation.

At Schengen Auto, we handle the entire registration process for expats, ensuring full compliance with Spain’s LEZ rules. From importation to emissions certification and tax management, we take care of everything. Learn more here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Low Emission Zones in Spain

Below are the most common questions expats and visitors have about driving in Spain’s Low Emission Zones (ZBEs). If you have a foreign-plated car, this section will help you understand the regulations and how to stay compliant.

General Questions About Spain’s ZBE Rules

🔹 What is a Low Emission Zone (ZBE) in Spain?

A ZBE (Zona de Bajas Emisiones) is a restricted area where only vehicles meeting certain emissions standards can enter. These rules aim to reduce pollution and improve air quality in major cities.

🔹 Which cities have Low Emission Zones in Spain?

Currently, the Barcelona Low Emission Zone and Madrid Low Emission Zone are the most restrictive. Other cities, such as Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and Zaragoza, are gradually implementing ZBEs. You can check all active and upcoming zones on the official website of the Ministry.

🔹 Do ZBE rules apply to motorcycles, vans, and trucks?

Yes. Restrictions apply to all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, commercial vans, and trucks. Each city may have specific exemptions for delivery vehicles or public transport.

🔹 How do I know if my car is allowed in a Spanish ZBE?

Vehicles in Spain are classified by the DGT environmental sticker system, which determines whether they can enter a ZBE. Foreign vehicles do not receive a DGT sticker but must register with local authorities to determine equivalency. You can check the emission standards on the DGT website.

Foreign-Plated Vehicles & ZBE Compliance

🔹 Can I drive a foreign-plated car in Spain’s ZBEs?

Only if you register it with local authorities. Some cities accept foreign environmental stickers (such as the French Crit’Air or German Umweltplakette), but this does not automatically grant access. Registration is always recommended to avoid fines.

🔹 How do I register my foreign vehicle to enter ZBEs?

• Barcelona Low Emission Zone: Register in the Metropolitan Registry of Foreign Vehicles before driving in the city.
• Madrid Low Emission Zone: Submit an application to the local authority for recognition of your vehicle’s emission category.

🔹 What happens if I enter a ZBE without authorization?

Cameras scan license plates automatically. Unauthorized vehicles receive a fine starting at €200, which increases for repeat violations.

🔹 I’m staying in Spain for a few months. Do I need to re-register my car?

• Short-term stays (under 6 months): You can drive your foreign-plated vehicle if it is registered for ZBE access.
• Long-term stays (over 6 months): You must register your car with Spanish plates. Expats and residents must re-register their vehicles within 30 to 60 days of moving to Spain.

💡 Need help registering your car? Schengen Auto can handle the entire process for you!

Spanish License Plates & Legal Requirements for Expats

🔹 When do I need to switch to Spanish plates?

By law, if you become a resident in Spain, you must register your foreign vehicle with Spanish plates within or 60 days (non-EU citizens).

🔹 What happens if I don’t change my foreign plates?

Driving a foreign-plated car long-term in Spain without registering it can result in:

• Fines starting at €200
• Vehicle impoundment
• Issues with insurance coverage
• Restrictions in ZBEs and other urban areas

💡 Need to switch to Spanish plates? We handle everything from emissions certification to full registration. Get started here.

Spain Low Emission Zone Map & Future Restrictions

🔹 Will ZBEs expand to more cities?

Yes. By 2025, all Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants must introduce Low Emission Zones. New restrictions are expected in Tarragona, Marbella, Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, and other tourist-heavy areas.

🔹 Where can I check if my city has a ZBE?

Check the official site of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition for real-time updates.

Final Advice for Expats Driving in Spain

🚗 If you plan to drive in Spain long-term, converting your foreign plates to Spanish registration is the best way to ensure full legal compliance.

🔹 Avoid fines and drive stress-free! Let Schengen Auto handle your car registration, ZBE compliance, and legal requirements.

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Final Tips for Expats Driving in Spain Low Emission Zones

Navigating Spain’s LEZ regulations can be complex, but Schengen Auto makes it easy. If you need assistance with ZBE compliance, emissions certification, or vehicle registration, contact us today to avoid unnecessary fines.