Across the world there are over 300 low emission zones (LEZ), with Europe having the most established LEZs, however other areas of the world are beginning to implement them too. – some are zones are more restrictive than others and their designs varying across three dimensions: size, scope and pricing. LEZs are the most established in Europe, but other areas of the world are beginning to put them in place too. To avoid getting caught out and facing avoidable fines, it is important to read up on the low emission zones in your destination. To further aid your preparation and ensure you are not left out of pocket, you should also purchase an excess insurance policy for hire cars from ReduceMyExcess.
How do LEZs work?
In a nutshell, a low emission zone restricts polluting vehicles from entering certain city zones and charge non-compliant vehicles a fee for entering – although specifics from location to location. Proof of compliance via an emission standards sticker.
Some LEZs operate at specific times of day to reduce traffic at certain times, some operate 24/7 – again it depends on the location. Depending on the location and country, a hire car may need a windshield sticker, online registration or a daily charge.
How do LEZs effect hire car drivers?
The main problem car hirers will run into in terms of the LEZs is that most zones are enforced by camera and if the appropriate steps have then not been taken, hire companies then receive the fine which will then be charged to your card with added admin fees added on top for the hire company having to process it. The car hire desk may not always warn you of the LEZ requirements and sat-navs could guide you through restricted areas so being prepared is important and can save you money. It’s likely that the rental car will come with a low emission sticker however this is not guaranteed so it’s important you check with the rental company that it is included as otherwise you could face fines that the rental company is likely to charge you extra for for the processing and admin fees.
LEZs Around the World
United States 🇺🇸
LEZs are still mostly in pilot or freight-focused forms rather than broad passenger vehicle scheme. For example, New York City is trailing Zero Emission Delivery Zones (ZEDZ) for freight trucks, and some West Coast cities have clean air programs that are targeting high-emitting vehicles. Santa Monica in California incentivises electric delivery vehicles by offering them priority curb access.
Canada 🇨🇦
Canada is in a similar position to the US in terms of its LEZ initiatives; several Canadian cities have begun planning and implementing clean air and emissions initiatives by focusing on incentivising electric vehicles (EVs),
Asia 🇰🇷🇮🇳🇨🇳🇯🇵
Cities in major Asian countries such as Bejing, Seoul, Pune and Delhi are working hard to establish low emission zones. In 2017, Bejing banned heavy diesel vehicles which has helped improve the air quality and reduce health hazards.
Seoul in South Korea has a city wide green transport zone that covers the entire metropolitan area, including the city of Incheon and most of the Gyeonggi Province – non-compliance leads to fines. Seoul has a goal of carbon neutrality by the year 2050. To help achieve this goal, they are considering limiting new vehicles registrations to only electric and hydrogen vehicles from 2035.
India has what’s called the ‘Taj Trapezium Zone’ that protects heritage sites like the Taj Mahal from pollution. Interestingly, there is a small town in India called Matheran which has restricted all motor vehicles. Kevada ambitiously aims to be the first city in India that is entirely electric. To set this in motion, the authorities offer financial assistance to employees wanting to purchase an electric vehicle.
China has well-established ultra low emission zones in Shenzhen. Bejing operates a LEZ and has restrictions on heavy diesel vehicles.
Japan introduced low emission zones from which diesel trucks and buses without particulate filters have been banned from entering. These are situated within Greater Tokyo, including the city of Tokyo itself as well as Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba. These zones have proved their effectiveness by leading to cleaner air. Osaka also has strict vehicle emission standards with all vehicles needing to be inspected that they comply with safety regulations.
Australia 🇦🇺
Australia doesn’t have widespread, mandated LEZs but major cities like Sydney and Brisbane are planning to trial them. They’re aiming for cleaner air and supporting EV adoption through proposed congestion charges. Australia soon plans to introduce the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard which will regulate the annual average carbon dioxide emission levels from all new cars supplied to Australia.
Europe
The most established and comprehensive network of low emission zones lie in Europe.
France 🇫🇷
France has a national system called Crit’Air, which is in place in major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Grenoble and Toulouse. All vehicles must display a Crit’Air sticker to show its emission class, and older petrol and diesel cars can be restricted or banned especially during pollution peaks.
Germany 🇩🇪
Germany has more than 70 Umweltzonen (environmental zones). Cities like Berlin Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart and Frankfurt will require you to have a green emission sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter. There are cameras in place to enforce compliance and fine you if your car fails to meet the emission standards. Even if your car does meet the requirements, not having s green sticker can still lead to a fine.
Italy 🇮🇹
In Italy you will find LEZs based on emissions, particularly in the northern parts of the country as well as ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) which restrict access to historic centres. Cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Pisa, Bologna and Naples sue camera-controlled ZTLs that will automatically fine unauthorised vehicles. Tourists are often fined as the sat nav could guide them thought ZTLs. It’s worth being aware that hotels that are located inside ZTLs must register your number plate, otherwise you will be fined.
Spain 🇪🇸
Spain has rolled out Zonas de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE) nationwide. Cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Valenica and Granada restrict older petrol and diesel cars. Madrid and Barcelona have some of Europe’s strictest rules. You may need to register your car before you enter certain zones to ensure you remain compliant.
The Netherlands 🇳🇱
Dutch LEZs (Milieuzones) target older diesel vehicles. Cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Arnhem ban or restrict diesel cars below Euro 4 or Euro 5. You don’t need a sticker in the Netherlands as the camera checks your plate against databases. This means you need to register your plate online.
Belgium 🇧🇪
Belgium has three major LEZ cities: Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. You must register the vehicle online before entering. Older diesel and petrol cars are banned or charged. Registration is free but failure to do so with result in automatic fines.
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
The UK has multiple systems, London has the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which covers all of greater London as well as the LEZ for heavy vehicles. Non-compliant cars must pay £12.50 a day or they will face penalties.
Cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Bradford, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen also operate LEZs or Clean Air Zones.
Scandinavia 🇸🇪🇩🇰
Sweden and Denmark operate strict urban LEZs. Cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, Copenhagen and Aarhus restrict older diesel vehicles and commercial traffic.
Portugal 🇵🇹
Lisbon operates a two-zone LEZ that restricts petrol and diesel vehicles by Euro class, particularly in the historic city centre.
Poland 🇵🇱
Warsaw and Krakow have introduced low emission zones with more planning to be integrated. These primarily target older petrol and diesel cars.
Key LEZ Terms Every Hire Car Driver Needs to Know
| Term | Meaning |
| ULEZ | Ultra low emission zone, and is stricter than a typical LEZ |
| CAZ | Clean air zone, often based on a charge system for polluting vehicles |
| ZEZ | Zero emission zone – only zero emission vehicles zone |
| Environmental Zone/Limited Traffic Zone | Names for other regulated zones in specific cities |
Final Thoughts
By checking local requirements in advance, confirming what your rental car includes or even avoiding restricted areas altogether will allow you to drive with confidence and avoid unnecessary, potentially expensive fines.
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