Low-emission zones in the Netherlands (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: The Netherlands has no single national zone: each municipality decides, with the same entry rules everywhere. Four cities restrict older diesel cars and vans. The fine is EUR 130.

RuleWhat applies
Type of schemeDriving in a low-emission zoneNational traffic rules apply the same way everywhere, but each municipality decides whether to set up a zone. Zones restrict older diesel vehicles by emission class: green (class 4 or higher allowed) and blue (class 5 or higher allowed) for diesel cars and vans. Petrol, LPG and electric cars may always enter. Separate zero-emission zones for vans and lorries are run by some cities. [1]
Where the zones areDriving in a low-emission zoneDiesel cars and vans: Amsterdam, Arnhem, The Hague and Utrecht. Eindhoven plans a blue zone for cars from 1 January 2027. Zero-emission zones for vans (for example Arnhem since 1 June 2026) are listed separately on OpwegnaarZES. [2]
Which vehicles may enterDriving in a low-emission zoneOnly diesel cars and vans are restricted. Green zone (The Hague): emission class 4 or higher. Blue zone (Amsterdam, Arnhem, Utrecht): emission class 5 or higher. Vehicles on petrol, LPG or other fuels may always enter. [2]
Foreign vehicles: sticker or registrationDriving in a low-emission zoneThe rules also apply to foreign vehicles. No advance registration is needed in cities with a low-emission zone (registration is only required to enter the Maasvlakte industrial area). [3]
FineDriving in a low-emission zoneEUR 130 for cars, vans and buses from 26 November 2025 (EUR 320 for lorries), plus administration costs. [4]

Notes

  • Each municipality decides whether to introduce a zone; the rules for entry are the same nationwide.

Sources

  1. RVO.nl for the Dutch government (Milieuzones in Nederland): Veelgestelde vragen | Milieuzones in Nederland (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. RVO.nl for the Dutch government (Milieuzones in Nederland): Personen- en bestelauto's | Milieuzones in Nederland (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. RVO.nl for the Dutch government (Milieuzones in Nederland): English | Milieuzones in Nederland (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. RVO.nl for the Dutch government (Milieuzones in Nederland): Handhaving | Milieuzones in Nederland (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.