In 2025, Spain continues to implement low-emission zones for vehicles that do not meet modern environmental standards. Although many cities with populations over 50,000 have not managed to timely fulfill the requirements to create such zones, four municipalities have already introduced strict restrictions for certain categories of cars.
This primarily concerns diesel vehicles registered after 2006, as well as gasoline cars manufactured from January 2001 onwards. If these vehicles only meet EURO 4 and 3 standards, respectively, they are now prohibited from entering low-emission zones designated by local authorities.
The largest of these urban areas is the country’s capital. Madrid has a special high-protection zone where vehicles with environmental stickers B and C are not allowed, except when the driver is heading to a parking area—whether private or public. Entry into the city center for these cars is restricted, highlighting the difference between Madrid and other cities where the rollout of similar measures has been delayed.
The second largest city to introduce similar restrictions is Bilbao. Here, the ban on entry for older diesel and gasoline vehicles came into effect on June 15 of this year. Entry into the low-emission zone is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.
In Getafe, it is also prohibited to drive through the environmental zone in a vehicle with a B sticker issued by the General Directorate of Traffic. Another city, Estepona in the province of Malaga, is the least populated among those that have fully implemented the legislation. Here, restrictions apply from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Madrid has exemptions for certain categories of citizens. Residents of the central district who own vehicles with environmental classes B, C, ECO, or 0 may freely enter the zone if the vehicle is registered in their name. Access is also allowed for persons with reduced mobility and for those heading to a parking facility.
There are also special permits that allow third parties to temporarily use vehicles with a B sticker or without any environmental classification. Additionally, vehicles used to perform socially important functions, including police cars, military vehicles, and those of other government services, are permitted to enter.
Companies and individual entrepreneurs operating within the zone may obtain up to three permanent permits, as well as single-entry invitations for access.
Violation of the established rules is classified as a serious administrative offense. Entering the low-emission zone with a B-sticker vehicle without the proper permit may result in a fine of up to 200 euros.
