European low-emission zones by country
Choose your destination and check the rules for your vehicle. A sticker, registration, daily charge and access prohibition are different requirements.
Countries and local schemes
This overview covers selected European destinations. It also explains schemes sometimes confused with emissions zones, including Norwegian tolls and Italian ZTLs.
Low-emission zones in Belgium
The Flemish LEZ checks both emissions and registration plates. Czech-registered vehicles normally need free registration; for another country of registration, check the local instructions.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Bulgaria
Sofia uses seasonal winter restrictions with a small and a large ring. Eligibility follows Bulgarian environmental groups; check the city’s announcement for the winter season of your trip.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in the Czech Republic
The Czech Ministry of the Environment’s published overview does not list any declared low-emission zone. Parking zones, pedestrian areas and local traffic bans are different restrictions.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Denmark
Diesel cars need a particulate filter or at least Euro 5 to enter Danish miljøzoner. Older vehicles registered abroad may also need their emissions details registered.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in France
Access depends on the vehicle category and the metropolitan area’s rules. An affected vehicle needs the correct Crit’Air sticker; owning a sticker does not itself guarantee admission.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Italy
Milan has a large Area B and a separate central Area C. Area B primarily regulates emissions; Area C may also require payment and activation of an entry ticket.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Germany
Most vehicles need a green emissions sticker to enter the local Umweltzone unless a recognised exemption applies. Foreign registration plates do not by themselves provide an exemption.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in the Netherlands
The local milieuzone covers diesel passenger cars. A separate zero-emission logistics zone applies to vans and lorries; the requirements are different.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Norway
Oslo can announce a temporary diesel ban during severe air pollution. This is an emergency measure; road tolls are a separate scheme whose rates may depend on vehicle characteristics.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Poland
A Polish Strefa Czystego Transportu sets local requirements based on fuel, emissions and exemptions. For a foreign registration plate, also check the local registration procedure.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Portugal
Lisbon has a stricter central ZER 1 and a wider ZER 2. The basic thresholds are Euro 3 in zone 1 and Euro 2 in zone 2, on working days from 07:00 to 21:00.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Spain
Spanish ZBE rules are set locally according to vehicle emissions. A vehicle registered abroad may need its details documented or registered before travel.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in the United Kingdom
London ULEZ covers almost all Greater London. Ordinary cars need Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel; a non-compliant, non-exempt vehicle is subject to a daily charge.
Check entry rulesLow-emission zones in Sweden
Stockholm has a class 2 zone on Hornsgatan that covers passenger cars. A separate class 1 zone covers heavy vehicles; assess the proposed class 3 scheme according to its current legal status.
Check entry rulesBefore leaving
- Identify fuel, Euro standard, category and first registration date.
- Check the exact destination, boundary and operating hours.
- Arrange any required sticker, registration or exemption.
- Confirm whether payment is permitted and when it is due.
Use the emissions-standard guide, zone map and stickers and registration overview.
Updated .