200€ penalty for driving in Madrid: Low Emission Zone being enforced

Madrid has started using the 257 cameras that have been strategically placed around the city to enforce the low emission zone regulations. Their job will be to make sure that only vehicles that fulfill the Spanish requirements for low emissions vehicles is enforced. Drivers without a valid DGT emissions sticker will be fined, there however will be a grace period of 4 months where drivers without the emissions sticker will only be warned if they enter the low emission zone without the appropriate sticker.

Driving in the low emission zone is classified as a major infringement and is punishable with a 200€ penalty for first time offenders. Until March 21 2022 the fine for driving in the ZBE was fined with 90€ (45€ if paid within 14 days).

If your vehicle doesn’t have the emissions sticker then you can easily get one as long as your vehicle meets the following minimum criteria:

• Petrol / Gasoline powered vehicles:
  Registered after January 1 2000 and have at least the EURO 4 emissions norm
• Diesel powered vehicles:
  Registered after January 1 2006 and have at least the EURO 5 emissions norm.

These are the minimum requirements for most vehicles to receive the B emissions sticker. Newer vehicles may be eligible for the better C sticker. You can check and see if your vehicle qualifies for a low emissions sticker by simply visiting the DGT website and entering your license plate. Should your vehicle not qualify as a “clean vehicle” then you will not be allowed to drive in the low emission zones that are currently being set up in all towns and cities with more than 50.000 residents.

Side note: Spain is currently making it attractive for people to invest in newer more environmentally friendly cars with numerous programs by subsidizing electric and hybrid vehicles. Numerous dealerships have started offering incentives to trade in an old car by giving big discount on a new vehicle. Shop around at some of the major dealerships and see if you can make a deal by handing over your old car!