Environmental and zero emission zones in the Netherlands

With environmental zones (low-emission zones) and zero emission zones, Dutch municipalities can exclude particular types of vehicles from specific areas to counter air pollution. 

Environmental zones in the Netherlands 

Environmental zones only apply to diesel-powered vehicles, such as cars, vans, buses, coaches, and trucks. Your vehicle’s emission standard determines which environmental zones you are allowed to drive. The borders of these zones are marked by coloured universal traffic signs (in Dutch), indicating which vehicles may enter. 

• Green zone: applies to diesel powered cars and vans. Only cars and vans with an emission rate of 4 and higher are allowed.
• Blue zone: applies to diesel powered cars and vans. Only diesel vans and cars with an emission rate of 5 and higher are allowed.
• Purple zone: applies to diesel powered trucks, buses, and coaches. Only diesel trucks, buses, and coaches with an emission rate of 6 and higher are allowed. 

Zero emission zones in the Netherlands 

Municipalities may also mark specific areas as a zero emission zone (ZEZ). Only zero emission trucks, buses, coaches, and vans may enter a zero emission zone. For example vehicles powered by electric or hydrogen motors. 

Please note: Did you recently buy a new company van with an emission rate of 5 or higher? You may be exempted until 2030. Check the different exemptions (in Dutch) and see which might apply to you.

Exemptions and waivers 

If your vehicle does not meet the local emission standards, you can apply for an exemption to the relevant municipality (in Dutch). The municipality may charge costs for local exemptions. 

In specific cases you can be exempt for the entire country (in Dutch). For example, if your vehicle is 40 years or older, or if you have a special vehicle with a specific bodywork code (carroseriecode, in Dutch). Such exemptions are awarded automatically based on your registration number. The waiver for special vehicles expires 13 years after its first registration date (datum eerste toelating). 

Removal vans and trucks with a heavy loading crane need to apply for a waiver (in Dutch). If you apply for an incidental exemption for an exceptional transport (in Dutch), you will receive a waiver for any environmental zone on your route. If you have a long-term exemption, you need to apply to the municipal authorities with environmental zones on your route yourself.