Spanish tourists who are planning to head abroad soon have been reminded that they could be hit with a pretty hefty fine if they enter certain areas and break the current road rules.
Receiving a heads-up from the Foreign Office, the experts highlight zones where special road rules apply. The official advisory on the gov.uk website warns about new low emission areas which means that vehicles must adhere to certain standards. Failing to do this could see drivers facing a hefty fine, with penalties reaching as much as 200 euros, as reported by Euro Weekly News.
Detailing the latest traffic rules which came into force in 2022, the Foreign Office continued: “Some inner-city areas in Spain have introduced permanent low emission zones (‘Zonas de bajas emisiones’ – ZBE) where Spanish vehicles must meet specific exhaust emission standards and display an air pollution sticker. The stickers are not issued to vehicles with foreign registration plates, but some cities require you to register your vehicle in advance – for example, Barcelona.”
Further discussing the rules as listed by the Foreign Office, road experts at the AA explain that UK drivers heading to popular tourist hotspots like Madrid and Barcelona need to comply with fixed low emission standards. This includes foreign-registered cars. In particular, Madrid confines city centre access exclusively to Zero Emission and local resident vehicles.
Experts clarify that the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) issues an eco-sticker (‘distintivo ambiental’) to vehicles, signifying their eligibility to operate in specific areas. There are four label categories (0 Emissions, Eco, C, and B) representing the vehicle’s environmental impact. Vehicles that pollute the most, usually petrol cars registered before 2000 and diesel cars before 2006, are assigned an A classification.
It adds: “Foreign vehicles need to register with the local authorities before accessing the zone to determine their environmental label. Unregistered vehicles who don’t meet emission standards will get a penalty notice.”
The Spanish government’s general information helpline 060 (if calling in Spain) or +34 902 887 060 (if calling from UK) may be able to provide further information.