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Spain Environmental Zones

Environmental zones

What about environmental zones in Spain, and in which cities do you need an environmental sticker? Below it is explained in detail!

Spain has also introduced environmental zones in line with other European countries.
Madrid and Barcelona have an environmental zone (zona de bajas emisiones; low-emission zone) that is only accessible for vehicles with a valid environmental sticker.

Environmental zones are being set up in some Spanish cities to improve air quality and create more space for local residents. These car-free zones are indicated by signs with the inscription Area de prioridad residencial (APR, zone only accessible to permit holders).
Running into an APR can result in hefty fines and it is important to pay close attention to the signs and not to ignore them. Cameras check.
When booking a hotel room within an APR, it is advisable to contact the hotel owner in advance to ask if an exemption has been requested.
Disabled people must comply with strict, locally determined rules to be allowed to enter an APR. More information is available from the local authorities.

Blue – 0: no emissions.
Green-blue – eco: hybrid and gas-powered vehicles that meet the criteria of the green sticker.
Green – C: petrol cars registered in 2006 or later; diesel cars registered in 2014 or later; vehicles with more than 8 seats and heavy vehicles, both gasoline and diesel, registered in 2014 or later. Petrol vehicles must comply with Euro standard 4, 5 or 6 and diesel vehicles with Euro standard 6.
Yellow – B: petrol cars registered in 2000-2013; diesel cars registered in 2006-2013; vehicles with more than 8 seats and heavy vehicles, both petrol and diesel, registered in 2005-2013. Gasoline vehicles must comply with Euro standard 3 Euro 3 standard and diesel vehicles with Euro standard 4 or 5.

There is no sticker for other vehicles.
The stickers are available at the Spanish post offices and cost € 5.
For more information, see the website of the Spanish government dgt.es/es/seguridad-vial/distintivo-ambiental (only in Spanish).

Madrid has a permanent environmental zone that covers almost the entire center and the M40. The zone bears the name Madrid Central.
Only vehicles belonging to residents and vehicles with a valid blue or green-blue environmental sticker may drive in the permanent environmental zone. With a green-blue sticker, the parking time is limited to 2 hours.
The zone is indicated by signs with the inscription Atención – Trafico Restringido.
For more information about Madrid’s environmental zone, see madrid.es (search for Madrid Central – Zona de Bajas Emisiones, for a ticket click on ¿Cuál es el perímetro?).

Barcelona and its surroundings have a temporary environmental zone that is set in the event of extreme air pollution.
If the environmental zone is set, you can only enter it from Monday to Friday from 7 am to 8 pm with a valid environmental sticker.
Extensive and up-to-date information on Barcelona’s environmental zone can be found at ajuntament.barcelona.cat/qualitataire/en/low-emission-zone (Catalan, English and Spanish).