New Environmentzones - Low Emission Zones in Europe
Low Emission Zones in Europe Europe-wide information on LEZ s 
Do LEZs apply to motorhomes?
It depends on the country and the size of the motorhome.
If the motorhome is under 3.5T:
- It is only restricted in Germany and Italy and in London from January 2012.
If the motorhome is over 3.5T:
- In Denmark, Sweden, Budapest and Prague it's heavy duty vehicles that are affected, so the motorhome is affected
- In Germany and Italy and in London they are also affected.
- In the Netherlands and the Austrian motorway restrictions are for lorries only, so the motorhome is not restricted.
What does PM mean?
PM stands for Particulate Matter, or very small dust particles. See our "What is air pollution" pages
What do I do if there is no LEZ retrofit certification in my country?
If there is no retrofit LEZ certification in your own country, then any existing retrofit certification or national recognition is recommended. In the absence of both of these we would suggest that a particulate filter is chosen that is valid in the country you are travelling to, with a certification from the manufacturer.
How can I find out more about air quality and health?
Our air quality and health pages give some information about air quality and health, and some further sources, as does our links page.
How can I find out more information about LEZs
Information about LEZs can be found on the individual LEZ pages, either by clicking the map, or through the various menu buttons.
Do I have to do anything before I enter the zone?
This depends on the zone. LEZs in the following countries require action before you enter the zone:
In Germany, Sweden and Denmark a windscreen sticker needs to be purchased.
In London your vehicle needs to be registered
In Norway pre-Euro 4 vehicles need to ensure they pay the charge
What vehicles are affected in the various areas?
This depends on the zone.
All LEZs affect heavy goods vehicles; other vehicles vary.
In the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark the LEZs affect heavy vehicles only (over 3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle >Weight (GVW)). In London the LEZ starts with goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and buses/coaches, and then extends to goods vehicles over 1.205 tonnes GVW in 2010. In Germany the LEZs affect all diesel vehicles, and petrol Euro 4 vehicles without a three-way catalyst (Euro 1 equivalent), but not motorcycles. In Italy LEZs affect all vehicles, including motorcycles.
Why are cities doing LEZs?
To reduce air pollution, as air pollution kills. To find out more see our Why LEZs: health pages
What is the difference between air pollution and CO2?
Air pollution affects the local air we breathe. CO2 affects climate change, which is where the earth is getting gradually warmer, and level of the sea is rising due to the icebergs melting.
Both are a problem, and measures to reduce one, such as energy efficiency, will often reduce the other.
What happens if I enter a LEZ and my vehicle does not meet the emissions standards?
This depends on the LEZ, see the individual city information. In most cases if you are identified you will be fined or charged, and in Germany you will also receive points on your driving licence.
If your vehicle is a foreign vehicle in the LEZ, you may well still be fined or charged.
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FAQ Frequently asked Questions
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- Overview of LEZs
- What are LEZs?
Your source of information about Low Emission Zones and how they affect you when you drive in Europe. There are many Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in 10 European countries. Low Emission Zones are areas where vehicle access is limited by its emissions.
This website, www.lowemissionzones.eu, gives all the information you need to drive in LEZs in Europe. The information is available within 1-2 clicks from the homepage, either via the frontpage map or side and top menus.
To navigate the site, click on the map; use the tabs at the top to find Cities by A-Z or by Country, how to comply, and retrofitting details. This text also gives many links you can use to navigate the site.
Alternatively use the left hand menu to find out what are LEZs, and do why they exist, get an overview of LEZs, or use our 'Quick Guide'.
The ‘Quick Guide’ gives an overview table with all LEZs by country/city or start date, showing the most important facts at a single glance (emissions standard, vehicles, dates) and a link to full information. It also allows you to search LEZs by vehicle type affected: coach, lorry, camper van, van, car and motorcycle.
Overview of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Europe
LEZs are implemented to improve air quality and help meet the EU health-based air quality limits, particularly of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5 and also Black Carbon) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Poor air quality kills over 310000 people in Europe each year - more than by road accidents – with human health costs of between €427 and €790 billion per year.
Which vehicles are affected?
The following table gives a summary by vehicles affected:
|
Vehicle type |
LEZs |
Vehicle standard 2011 |
Future standard |
|
Lorries only |
Netherlands | Euro 4(PM) | Euro 4 (1/7/13) |
| Austrian A12 motorway | Euro 2/3 | ||
| Mont Blanc Tunnel, FR/IT | Euro 1 | ||
| Heavy Duty Vehicles | London, UK | Euro 3(PM) | Euro 4(PM) (3/1/12) |
| Denmark | Fit filter if <Euro 4 | ||
| Sweden | 8 years old / Euro 3 | ||
| Budapest, HU |
Differential parking charges | planned | |
| Prague, CZ | Euro 2 | ||
| All 4+ wheelers | Germany | Euro 2-4(PM) & Euro 1 petrol | |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Euro 1 or 2 | In January 2014 potentially to Euro3 | |
| All vehicles | Italy | Euro 1-3 / no 2-stroke motorcycles | |
| Local buses under agreements | Norwich, UK | Euro 3(NOx) | |
| Oxford, UK | None | Euro V (1/1/13) | |
| Vans | London, UK | None | Euro 3 (3/1/12) |
| Germany | Euro 2-4(PM) & Euro 1 petrol | ||
| Italy | Euro 1-3 / no 2-stroke motorcycles | ||
| Under consideration in some Dutch cities |
Euro 4 from July 2013; Euro 4 with particle filter from January 2015. |
The Danish LEZ law also allows vans to be included, which may happen in the future in Danish cities.
Operating hours: Most LEZs operate permanently. The exemptions are Italy, where LEZs sometimes operate at peak or other selected times; Lisbon, Prague > 3.5T and Budapest LEZ are weekday daytime.
Do I have to register before entering? In Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Lisbon you will need to buy a sticker. Foreign vehicles are required to register with London’s LEZ (as the national database does not include their details). Entry to the Prague's LEZ is by permit, to Budapests parking by emissions-related payment. The Bolzano (Italy) LEZs require stickers and you need to pay to enter the Central Milan 'Area C'. In many cases registration is possible by Internet or post. More information on registering can be found on our 'Where do I need to register' page.
Other LEZs are enforced with cameras reading the vehicle number plates (Netherlands, London), or by police controlling the vehicle papers (Italy, Austrian A12 motorway, Mont Blanc Tunnel), or local agreements with public bus operators (Norwich, Oxford (UK)).
LEZs are also called Environment Zones, or in a selection of European languages: Environment Zones, Umweltzonen, Fahrverbote (Germany), Milieuzones (Netherlands), Lavutslippssone (Norway) , Miljozone (Denmark), Miljözon (Sweden), Zielone Strefy (Poland), Nízkoemisní Zóny (Czech Republic), ZAPA, Zone d'Action Prioritaire pour l'Air, zone environnementale (France), Zona de Bajas Emisiones (Spain), ZER - Zona de Emissões Reduzidas (Portugal).
If your vehicle does not meet the emission standards required, you can buy a newer vehicle, use a different vehicle, or modify your vehicle's engine, for example by fitting a diesel particulate filter. You can find more about the different options from our how to comply page.