At a glance
Starting January 1, 2025, zero-emission zones (also known as ZE-zones) were introduced in the Netherlands. This means that commercial vehicles, such as trucks and delivery vans with emission class 4 or lower, will no longer be allowed to enter these cities.
FAQs
What are zero-emission zones?
Euro classes are emission standards set by the European Union that limit the pollutants emitted by internal combustion engine vehicles. Each class represents a stricter emission limit, with Euro 1 being the oldest and most polluting, and Euro 6 the most recent and environmentally friendly.
To date, 14 municipalities have already implemented a zero-emission zone, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, with 15 other municipalities planning to follow within the next five years.
Zero-emission zones are areas in cities where only emission-free vehicles are allowed to drive. This helps to reduce air pollution, supporting the EU's 2030 Climate Target Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In these zones, you can only drive vehicles that do not emit CO2, such as electric and hydrogen cars.
I have a delivery van or truck that is not electric, what now?
This does not directly mean that you can no longer enter these zones, as it depends on the emission class of your vehicle. If your vehicle has an emission class of Euro 4 or lower, then from January 1, you will no longer be allowed to enter the zero-emission zones.
If your vehicle has class Euro 5, you can still enter these zones until 2027. If your vehicle has class Euro 6, you can still enter these zones until 2028. Does your vehicle run on electricity or hydrogen? Then this vehicle can always enter these zones.
What happens if you enter a zero-emission zone with a non-compliant vehicle?
Currently, there is no active enforcement of this rule. This policy is intended to make it easier for companies to transition to electric vehicles. The fine amount is not yet determined, but if you enter an environmental zone with a non-compliant vehicle, you could face a fine ranging from €120 to €300.
How do I know the emission class of my vehicle?
It's often difficult to determine your vehicle's emission class just by looking at it. For this, a website has been developed where you simply enter your licence plate number, and it will check the emission class of your vehicle based on that information.
Sources
https://www.kvk.nl/duurzaamheid/zero-emissiezones-kom-je-straks-de-stad-nog-in-met-je-auto/
https://www.milieuzones.nl/personen-en-bestelautos
https://www.opwegnaarzes.nl/bedrijven/toegangsregels
https://www.opwegnaarzes.nl/bedrijven/waar-komen-de-ze-zones
https://www.milieuzones.nl/milieuzonecheck/
https://doehetzero.nl/kentekencheck/
https://www.debedrijfswagenadviseurs.nl/zero-emissiezones/#:~:text=Vanaf%202025%20zijn%20voertuigen%20met,het%20inrijden%20van%20de%20zones Zero emissiezones - Veranderingen in 2025
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