Low Emission Zones in Spain: the changes now coming to major cities

Although the Climate Change Law mandated the establishment of Low Emission Zones starting January 1, 2024, some Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants still have no restrictions on polluting vehicles .

Furthermore, there are other cities that do not yet have these Low Emission Zones and face sanctions from the Spanish government. In short, below we will provide a brief summary of the current regulations for Low Emission Zones in major cities across our country, as we did at the end of last year.

Madrid Low Emissions Zone

During this first quarter, the city council, chaired by José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has not announced any new changes to the regulations of the Madrid LEZ and the LEZs in the Centro District and Plaza Elíptica.

However, this is expected to change in 2026, as cars without a sticker will not be allowed to enter Madrid , even if they are registered in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona Low Emissions Zone

In the case of Barcelona, ​​the Barcelona Rondes LEZ ( Low-Rise Zone) remains subject to the same restrictions as at the end of 2024, prohibiting access to cars without a DGT sticker between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday .

Valencia Low Emissions Zone

In the capital of the Turia River, the deadline for submitting complaints or suggestions regarding the Low Emission Zone project ended on April 16th, with a view to its definitive entry into force, although for the time being, access to the most polluting vehicles is still not restricted.

Seville Low Emission Zone

The Seville LEZ , which is notable for not being located in the city center, as in the rest of Spanish cities, continues with the same restrictions, that is, it does not allow the entry of vehicles without a sticker between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday .

Zaragoza Low Emissions Zone

Last March, the city of Zaragoza began Phase 2 of its LEZ (ZBE) . During this phase, local police are issuing "informational fines" to vehicles entering the LEZ (ZBE) in the Historic Center without a DGT sticker.

Málaga Low Emissions Zone

For the time being, the Malaga city's LEZ , which came into force on November 30, 2024, allows access to all vehicles , although it is expected that by the end of 2025 it will not allow entry to cars without a DGT sticker that are not registered in Malaga.

Murcia Low Emission Zone

To date, the Murcia City Council has yet to publish the ordinance for implementing its LEZ, although it must do so before December 2025 , as this is the deadline set by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge's moratorium.

Low Emission Zone of Palma de Mallorca

Palma's LEZ (Low-Level Traffic Zone) , which came into effect on December 29, 2024, does not allow access to vehicles without the right to carry a DGT sticker and has already begun imposing the first fines for this.

Low Emission Zone of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

For now, the Ordinance for the LEZ (Low-Level Zone) of the capital of Gran Canaria began its internal processing in February 2025 , with the aim of the first restrictions arriving by the end of this year, although everything will depend on the length of the processing.

Alicante Low Emissions Zone

The Alicante LEZ came into effect in January 2025, although during this first year of operation, there will be no restrictions on access or movement due to environmental badges.

Bilbao Low Emissions Zone

In the city of Bilbao, its ZBE will be stricter starting June 15, 2025, when only vehicles with Zero, ECO and C labels will be able to access it. Therefore, cars with B badges and without labels will be prohibited from entering .

Córdoba Low Emissions Zone

The Córdoba Low Emission Zone (LEZ) remains in effect until 2024. Only vehicles with a Zero or ECO sticker, and vehicles with B and C stickers, can circulate freely within the zone if they are heading to a public parking lot located within the Low Emission Zone.

Valladolid Low Emission Zone

As we reported a few days ago , the Valladolid LEZ will come into effect on July 1, 2025 , and vehicles without an environmental badge will be prohibited from entering, although there will be exceptions for residents.