The emission stickers introduced by Spain’s traffic authority (DGT) may soon be a thing of the past. A recent study by Spain’s Consumer Organisation (OCU) questions the efficacy of the current system for classifying cars by emissions. OCU is suggesting that the current approach is outdated and often misleading.
Why the system needs reform
The DGT introduced environmental stickers to classify vehicles based on engine type and age. Herewith, creating categories such as B, C, ECO, and Zero Emissions. These labels determine access to Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in cities, often favouring more expensive hybrid and electric vehicles. However, the OCU points out significant discrepancies in this labelling system. For instance, the BMW X5 M Competition, with an ECO label, consumes 12.9 litres per 100 km, and the plug-in hybrid Mercedes AMG S 63 E, which carries a Zero Emissions label, exceeds 12 litres per 100 km when running on petrol. Meanwhile, the efficient Toyota Aygo X Cross, consuming only 4.8 litres per 100 km, is assigned a lower C label.
Such inconsistencies have prompted the OCU to argue that the labels should reflect actual emissions rather than simply engine technology. The current system, they contend, unfairly penalises those who cannot afford newer, often pricier, vehicles while allowing some less efficient high-end hybrids to enjoy privileges, such as unrestricted urban access and free parking.
The current state of DGT stickers
The DGT categorises vehicles into four distinct emission stickers based on their environmental impact:
- Zero Emissions (Blue Label): Assigned to battery electric vehicles (BEV), extended-range electric vehicles (REEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) with a minimum 40 km range, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
- ECO Label (Green and Blue): Meant for plug-in hybrids with less than a 40 km electric range, non-plug-in hybrids (HEV), natural gas vehicles (CNG/LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles.
- C Label (Green): Applies to newer petrol cars registered after 2006 and diesel cars registered after 2015 that meet the latest Euro emissions standards.
- B Label (Yellow): Covers older vehicles that still comply with earlier Euro emissions standards, including petrol vehicles registered from 2001 and diesel vehicles from 2006.
How potential changes could affect you
The OCU is calling for an overhaul of the system, putting pressure on the DGT to update its classification scheme. This is especially crucial as more Spanish municipalities roll out Low Emission Zones by 2025. These zones will restrict access to the most polluting vehicles. This would make an updated system all the more relevant for drivers across the country.
Vehicles without a current DGT label—those registered before 2000 for petrol and before 2006 for diesel—will be banned from these zones starting January 2025. Violators could face fines of €200, making it critical for owners of older cars to stay informed about upcoming changes.
Exceptions will exist, including vehicles adapted for individuals with reduced mobility, emergency vehicles, and historic cars that meet current regulations. However, restrictions are expected to tighten, and even vehicles with B or C labels may eventually face limited access to urban areas as municipalities strive to reduce emissions.
Also read: Thirteen Spanish cities delayed in implementing low emission zones (LEZs)