Low-emission zones by country
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
Whether the country has low-emission or clean-air zones, where they are, which vehicles may enter, what foreign drivers must do and the fine. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Type of scheme | Where the zones are | Which vehicles may enter | Foreign vehicles: sticker or registration | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | National sticker scheme, local zones | 35 zones remain; no city list | Green sticker (group 4) only | Foreign cars can get the sticker | EUR 100 |
| Netherlands | Municipal zones, national rules | Amsterdam, Arnhem, The Hague, Utrecht | Diesel class 4+ (green) or 5+ (blue) | No registration needed; rules apply | EUR 130 plus admin costs |
| United Kingdom | Clean Air Zones, ULEZ, Scottish LEZs | England CAZs, London, 4 Scottish cities | Diesel Euro 6, petrol Euro 4 | London: register non-UK vehicles | London GBP 180; Scotland GBP 60-480 |
| France | National framework, local ZFE-m (Crit'Air) | 25 zones, e.g. Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse | Crit'Air sticker; classes banned set by each zone | Crit'Air sticker needed; order online only | Up to EUR 450 (usually EUR 68 fixed fine) |
| Spain | Set by each municipality (ZBE) | Towns over 50,000 people and islands | DGT label 0, ECO, C or B | No Spanish label; some foreign stickers accepted | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Belgium | Regional/city LEZs | Brussels region, Ghent | Brussels diesel Euro 6, petrol Euro 3 | Foreign vehicles must register | EUR 350 Brussels; EUR 185/day Ghent |
| Denmark | Municipal zones, national order | Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Aalborg, Odense, Aarhus | Diesel: particulate filter or Euro 5 | Register with filter/Euro proof | DKK 1,500 |
How to read the comparison
The table compares these points:
- Type of scheme
- Where the zones are
- Which vehicles may enter
- Foreign vehicles: sticker or registration
- Fine
Before you rely on it
In most countries each city decides whether to set up a zone and what it requires, so a country page shows the national framework and the zones named in official sources. Zones are added and abolished often. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Check the city’s own page before you drive in.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.