Malaga to introduce fines for low-emission zones from December

Malaga’s Low Emission Zone, which covers 404 acres of land will begin to impose fines on vehicles that do not comply with the zone’s rules starting December 1, 2020. 

The ZBE is implemented under Malaga’s Sustainable Mobility Ordinance on November 30, as a result to recommendations made by the European Commission to the EU Parlament on the enforcement of Low Emissions zones in towns that have 50,000 people or more. This ZBE is intended to improve air pollution and noise pollution and to promote environmentally-friendly transport by encouraging public transport, especially low-emission cars and limiting the use of private vehicles, mainly old cars.

Do you have an emissions-free zone sticker in Malaga on your car?

From December 1, vehicles without an environmental sticker, whether low emission or not (CERO, ECO, C, or B), and not registered in Malaga will face a €200 fine for driving into the city, something classified as a “serious infraction”. In the first year of the ZBE, all vehicles were allowed to drive freely. However, in the second year (from December 2025), stricter rules will be implemented. Vehicles with CERO or ECO labels, B-labeled vehicles registered in Malaga and non-labeled vehicles registered in Malaga will be allowed. These restrictions will be tightened further from the third year, allowing only CERO or ECO-labeled vehicles, and B-labeled or non-labeled vehicles that are registered in Malaga.

Restriction exemptions include public transport, diesel-guzzling tourist buses, EMT busses, taxis and VTCs. Registered historic vehicles are also exempt. During the first four year period, all vans can be used (delivery, plumbers, etc.) but after that, only those with CERO or ECO labels, C or B, or registered in Malaga are allowed. After pre-registration, emergency vehicles, emergency services and council services as well as essential private services such a private security, plumbing and funeral services can access the ZBE.

What is the Malaga low-emissions area?

The ZBE, which is bounded by streets like Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, Avenida de Andalucía, The following are some examples of how to get started: Paseo Salvador Rueda, uses AI licence plate recognition systems connected to the DGT and council To enforce restrictions, databases are used. DGT’s website offers drivers the opportunity to determine their vehicle’s environmental class. The labels range from CERO for electric vehicles, up to B for older combustion vehicles that meet specific EURO standard.

Malaga’s ZBE follows Spain’s Climate Change and Energy Transition Law 7/2021, which requires cities and towns with more than 50,000 people to adopt sustainable mobility planning. Funded partly by a €5.16 million grant from the Next Generation EU funds, the ZBE is part of Malaga’s obligation to reduce emissions, electric mobility, and improving transport efficiency, following EU directives on air pollution control.