Definition
Low-emission zones (ZBE) are urban areas where access and circulation are restricted or banned by DGT environmental sticker (0 blue, ECO, C, B, A or no sticker). The Spanish Climate Change Law requires every municipality over 50,000 inhabitants to set up a ZBE. Madrid Central, Barcelona ZBE Rondas and Madrid 360 are the best-known cases. The four sticker categories and their criteria are covered by the glossary's own entry on the DGT environmental sticker.
Key facts
- Mandatory in municipalities over 50,000 inhabitants and others with air-quality issues.
- Access depends on the DGT environmental sticker: 0 blue (free), ECO (preferred), C (petrol ≥2006, diesel ≥2014), B (petrol ≥2000, diesel ≥2006), no sticker (restricted).
- The sticker is issued by DGT or post offices based on vehicle registration data.
- ZBE infractions can carry a €200 fine.
Practice real questions on this topic
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In the DGT exam
- When joining traffic from a parked position, how may a driver check, if necessary, that it is safe to do so?
- To continue straight ahead, where must you stop?
- A car with MAM no greater than 3,500 kg has a breakdown. It can continue safely but travels at an abnormally low speed on a motorway, seriously disrupting traffic. The right shoulder is usable and wide enough. What must it do?
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