The Low Emission Zones may establish continuous or temporary measures such as restrictions on access, circulation and parking of vehicles to improve air quality and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, according to the classification of vehicles by their level of emissions in accordance with the provisions of the current General Vehicle Regulations.
In some cities. like Madrid or Barcelonathese ZBE are already in force, although in the case of the capital of Spain, as of next January 1, important new features will be introduced.
The new restriction for cars that comes into force in Madrid from January 1
The Madrid City Council activates from next Sunday, January 1, a new restriction on the most polluting road traffic: cars with an environmental classification A that are not registered or pay the Mechanical Traction Vehicle Tax in the capital will not be able to circulate through the M-30. This measure, contemplated in the Sustainable Mobility Ordinance (WHO) In order to continue improving air quality and comply with the European directive on this matter, it is added to the one implemented on January 1, 2022 that limits access and circulation to this type of car inside the M ring road. -30.
But another novelty as of January 1 is that the access of light goods vehicles with classification B to the interior of the ZBE Central District is extended for one year, so this type of vehicle will be able to continue circulating as before.
Madrid LEZ progressively limits, until 2025, the transit of the most polluting cars on city roads, that is, those that they run on gasoline and were registered before the year 2000 and diesel vehicles prior to 2006.
Implementation schedule
Thus, in Madrid and As of January 1, 2022, access to and circulation on urban public roads inside the M-30 is already prohibited, excluding the M-30 itself.
This restriction will be extended in a few days, since from January 1, 2023, these same cars are prohibited from accessing and driving through urban public roads inside the M-30 and of the M-30 itself.
For the next few years, as of January 1, 2024, the aforementioned vehicles will be prohibited from accessing and circulating on all urban public roads in the municipality of Madrid.
And finally, it is contemplated in the municipal ordinances that from January 1, 2025, the 2024 prohibition also extends to A passenger cars domiciled in Madrid and that are registered in the IVTM register of the Madrid City Council. As of this date, vehicles A that are not passenger cars (trucks, vans, motorcycles and mopeds) will not be able to access or circulate in the capital, which until December 31, 2024 had no restrictions.
Thus, the entire municipal area will gradually become a low emission zone (Madrid ZBE), coexisting with the two ZBE of Special Protection that are in force, District Center and Plaza Elíptica, which have more restrictive access criteria.
Can I continue driving on the M30 if my car does not have a label?
However, there are a number of exceptions whereby cars without a badge may drive on the M-30.
For example, may continue to circulate on the M-30 as of January 1, 2023. unmarked vehicles that are registered in Madrid since at least January 1, 2022 and appear in the Tax on Mechanical Traction Vehicles of the Madrid City Council. Those registered on later dates will not be admitted.
And also vehicles with badge Athat are not passenger cars: motorcycles, mopeds, trucks or vans; Vehicles used to transport people with parking cards for people with reduced mobility (they must be registered in the Madrid Low Emissions Zone Access System) and, finally, vehicles considered historic that meet the requirements of the new regulations.
Vehicles without an environmental label registered in Madrid since at least January 1, 2022 and appear in the Tax on Mechanical Traction Vehicles of the Madrid City Council
A-badged vehicles other than passenger cars: motorcycles, mopeds, trucks or vans
Vehicles used to transport people with parking cards for people with reduced mobility
historical vehicles
How will compliance with the regulations be monitored?
The Environment and Mobility Area will establish a special surveillance operation made up of mobility agents to guarantee compliance with the regulations in the M-30 and its interior. The troops will be placed in random positions.
Access not allowed to Madrid ZBE, as with the other two ZBDEP, meant until March 20, 2022 a minor traffic offense in accordance with the provisions of articles 18 and 75.c) and could be sanctioned with 90 euros (45 euros if it is for prompt payment), in accordance with articles 80.1 and 81 of the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety. However, due to the modification of the aforementioned law, from March 21, 2022, it is sanctioned as a serious traffic offense with a fine of 200 euros, in accordance with the provisions of articles 18, 76.z3 and 80.1, (100 euros if it is for prompt payment).