R-120 Sign in Madrid, Spain. January 20, 2025. The sign, which is relatively new and easy to miss, allows only authorized vehicles in urban areas of Spanish cities.
Credit: Shutterstock and Mundofoto
Miss this sign and you could be €200 out of pocket – but what exactly is it, and how do you stay in the clear?
Spain’s drivers are being caught out by a relatively new road sign that’s quietly cropping up in major cities – and it’s already racking up fines to the tune of €200 per driver. Who is the culprit? R-120 is a deceptively simple-looking sign. It’s white and it’s very easy to miss, unfortunately…
This sign doesn’t warn of weather problems, like rain, fog or snow. This sign is all about pollution, low emission zones and other weather woes.
What is the Spanish R120 sign? You can also find out more about the following: You can also say:
The R-120 sign consists of a panel with a circular shape, a white border and a red background. A silhouette of a vehicle is displayed on the side. Some critics claim that the white color makes it hard to miss. It is also often mistaken for a weather warning or a warning regarding visibility. This relates to emission zones.
Introduced by Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), the R-120 sign marks the entrance to “Zonas de Bajas Emisiones” (ZBE) – Low Emission Zones. These areas limit vehicle access in Spanish cities based on pollution levels, and ignoring the rule could see you slapped with a €200 fine.
Signs are expected to be more prevalent as Spanish cities work to reduce urban pollution. Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and other cities are at the forefront of this campaign.
Can you drive by an R120 sign in Spain
Answer: It depends on what is stuck to your windshield. ZBEs do not restrict vehicles that have a “Cero Emisiones (Zero Emissions), or ECO” label. Some cities allow cars with B labels, but this is slowly being phased out.
What’s the main takeaway? Check the environmental label on your car You can also find out more about the following: Check the local rules and regulations before entering any zone that has an R120 sign. They can be hard to see. Local councils will have the final word.So, The rules may vary depending on the country. From one place to another.
If you want to stay in compliance, you need the DGT environmental sticker. You can get it at authorised retailers, such as post office or online.
No. There are many points but also a lot of pain
You won’t be penalized if you ignore R-120 signs, but you will lose your license if you drive in a restricted area. Points You can get a Spanish driving license – but your wallet will take a hit. That said, there’s a silver lining: pay the fine within 20 days, and you’ll get a 50% discount, bringing it down to €100. This is a good deal.
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