These pages give an overview of the schemes in the different countries, with the scheme information and number of LEZs in operation or planning in the country.

You can also find a table of all the LEZ cities and emissions standards either sorted by country & city or by start date.

Most countries with LEZs have similar schemes in the different cities, so the national overview can be useful.

Which vehicle types are affected? 

All schemes except those in Italy operate, or will operate, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
All schemes cover diesel heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, except a few of the Italian schemes. All but the Dutch and some Italian schemes buses and coaches.
The London scheme is likely to cover vans over 1.205 tonnes (unladen) and minibuses with over 8 seats from 2012.
The German schemes cover all vehicles except motorcycles, the Italian schemes include all vehicles - including motorcycles.

Private vehicles

In Germany you are likely to also be affected as a private car driver, in Italy as a driver of all vehicles, including motorcycles.
If you have a large private vehicle, such as a horsebox, this may well be over the 3.5 tonnes and so counted as a heavy goods vehicle. If you have a large camper van, this may well be over 1.2005 tonnes so are likely to need to comply in London in 2012.

Where do I have to register before entering?

In Germany and Sweden a sticker is needed to be purchased and they are 'manually enforced' with the police. Danish vehicles need to purchase a sticker for the Danish LEZs, and some Italian LEZs require stickers.
In other countries the schemes are enforced with cameras reading the vehicle number plates. The approach to registering varies by scheme, but generally national vehicles that are not retrofitted do not have to register as they are already on the national databases, others may have to register - see the individual schemes.

More information on registering can be found on our 'Where do I need to register' page.

Germany

• Class 2: All diesel vehicles Euro 2 or Euro 1 plus particulate filter;
• Class 3: All diesel vehicles Euro 3 or Euro 2 plus filter;
• Class 4: All diesel vehicles Euro 4 or Euro 3 plus filter as well as petrol with a three-way catalyst (Euro 1 equivalent);
• Class 1 all vehicles with poorer emissions than Class 2 and petrol vehicles without a three-way catalyst.

A windscreen sticker is required to be bought and displayed in the vehicle windscreen, indicating the emissions standard of the vehicle, which is then valid for all German LEZs. The LEZs are then manually enforced by police checking whether there is a sticker in the windscreen.

More detailed information on the German national scheme can be found on our German page.

The Netherlands

• Until 1 January 2010 minimum standard is Euros 2 and 3 with particulate filter or Euro 4.
• Between 1 January 2010 and 1 July 2013 minimum standard is less than 8 years
  old and Euro 3 plus filter.
• After 1 July 2013 the minimum standard is full Euro 4.

Enforced by cameras, and manually until all the cameras are in place.

More detailed information on the Dutch national scheme can be found on our Netherlands page.

Norway

More detailed information on the Norwegian national scheme can be found on our Norway page.

United Kingdom

There is an Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in London, covering most of Greater London (approximately 1600km²), other small bus schemes in Norwich and Oxford.

The London scheme is designed to deter the most polluting diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches, and expected from 2012 minibuses and large vans, from being driven within Greater London. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year including weekends and public holidays. It is enforced using fixed and mobile cameras. Operators of all vehicles that do not meet the LEZ emissions standards, or qualify for an exemption or a 100% discount must pay a daily charge or they will be liable for a Penalty Charge.

More detailed information on the London scheme can be found on our London page.

Austria

One motorway scheme affecting heavy goods vehicles on the A12 motorway in Tirol, see the A12 Tirol page.

A national framework for LEZs is being prepared, and other urban LEZs are planned.

Denmark

National scheme with 4 cities and 5 local authorities covering diesel vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.   All vehicles less than Euro 3 have to be fitted with an approved particulate filter.

See our Denmark page for more information.

Italy

There are schemes in 6 northern Italian provinces, covering many cities and towns within the area as well an additional scheme in Milan and a separate scheme in Palmero, Sicily. Minimum standards are set by an agreement between these provinces, and the cities implement at least these standards and times. Many, but not all, are only in operation for part of the day during the winter. It is manually enforced, and covers all vehicles, including motorcycles. 

See our Italian page for more details.

Sweden

A national arrangement, for heavy duty vehicles in 5 cities in operation, including coaches. Currently vehicles must be less than 6 years old, or those 6-8 years must be at least Euro 2. From 2010 vehicles between 6 and 8 years must be Euro 3. Euro 4 vehicles are allowed in until 2016, Euro 5/EEV until 2020. 

See our Swedish page for more details.

Hungary

There is an LEZ planned in Budapest, with details still being developed.

Czech Republic

There is an LEZ in operation in Prague, where vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and 6 tonnes are restricted from areas of the city. Permit conditions require at least Euro 2.

See our Prague page for more details.