Lorraine Williamson
Driving through Spain increasingly requires an environmental sticker due to the growing implementation of Low Emission Zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, ZBE). These zones aim to improve air quality, and while cities like Barcelona and Madrid lead the way, others such as Valencia and Santander are still catching up.
Here’s an overview of the current situation and the cities set to implement their ZBEs in 2025.
What are Low Emission Zones (ZBE)?
To drive in ZBEs in Spain, an environmental sticker (Distintivo Ambiental) is mandatory. Vehicles with a Spanish license plate can obtain this sticker from post offices (Correos), authorised garages, and the Spanish traffic authority (DGT) for approximately €5. For foreign-registered vehicles, no official Spanish sticker exists, but many cities accept the French Crit’Air sticker. However, Barcelona has stricter regulations and requires specific registration.
ZBEs are urban areas where access to polluting vehicles is restricted to improve air quality. These zones use camera surveillance and license plate recognition to enforce regulations. According to the climate law, all Spanish municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, and certain smaller municipalities with high pollution levels, must implement a ZBE.
Where are ZBEs already active?
Barcelona
Barcelona was the first city in Spain to introduce a ZBE in 2020. Since January 2024, surrounding areas like Viladecans, El Prat de Llobregat, and Sant Boi have also started issuing fines.
Madrid
The capital has several ZBEs, including ZBEDEP Centro and Plaza Elíptica. From 2025, a transition period begins where vehicles without a sticker will be banned, but B-label cars will still be permitted.
Málaga
Since November 2024, Málaga’s ZBE covers 437 hectares, and enforcement is underway.
Bilbao
Monitoring and fines began in early 2024, reducing traffic by 14%.
Getafe
Near Madrid, Getafe activated its ZBE on January 27, 2025, and has 120 cameras for enforcement.
Alicante
The ZBE came into effect on January 31, 2025, and currently affects the historic centre, with stricter measures likely in the future.
Which cities are delaying implementation?
Valencia
Valencia approved a ZBE, however the implementation is being phased. Until December 2025, only warnings will be issued.
Palma
The first phase began in January 2025 in the historic centre, with fines postponed until 2026.
Vitoria and Logroño
This is still in the legal approval phase, with Vitoria aiming for March 2025 and Logroño by 2026.
Santander
Santander is researching the most polluted areas, with implementation expected by late 2025.
Various cities in Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León
Cities like León, Palencia, and Soria are awaiting city council approval, and are aiming for 2025 implementation.
Navigating ZBEs with Google Maps
As ZBEs expand in Spain, drivers must be aware of environmental restrictions along their routes. Google Maps offers a helpful feature: the Z-notification. Currently available only on mobile, this feature displays a “Z” in a blue circle to warn drivers of upcoming ZBEs.
How does it work in Google Maps?
- The notification appears automatically when a route passes through a ZBE.
- Google Maps displays warnings about restrictions and potential fines.
- Users can select alternative routes to avoid ZBEs.
Future of ZBEs
The environmental sticker issued by the DGT faces criticism in Spain following a report by the consumer organisation OCU, which calls for a thorough review of the system. However, no changes are currently planned. Implementation of ZBEs remains inconsistent, with strict enforcement in cities like Barcelona and Bilbao, while others like Valencia and Santander lag behind.
2025 will be pivotal as many municipalities are expected to activate their ZBEs. Drivers should stay updated on local regulations to avoid fines and contribute to a cleaner urban environment.