ZBE Barcelona Low Emission Zone

Barcelona's Low Emission Zone (ZBE) - LEZ in the UK -is a traffic regulation zone aimed at reducing air pollution that has been in force since 2020.

The ZBE Barcelona at a glance:

> All vehicles travelling on weekdays between 7am and 8pm in the Barcelona ZBE must be registered with the "ZBE Metròpolis de Barcelona" service.

>> However, you can cross Barcelona without authorisation via the Ronda de Dalt (B20) and the Ronda Litoral (B10), for example to reach Barcelona airport from the north of the city.

>>> You can drive freely in the ZBE at night, at weekends and on public holidays.

What is a ZBE in Spain?

A Low Emission Zone (ZBE) is known as "Zona de Bajas Emisiones" in Spain, ZBE in Belgium, LEZ in the UK (Low-Emission Zone), ZTL in Italy (Zone a traffico limitato), ZFE in France (Zone à Faibles Emissions in force in Paris, Lyon, Montpellier). In this zone, access and circulation of the most polluting vehicles is limited. 

Which foreign vehicles are affected by the ZBE in Barcelona?

Vehicles registered outside Spain are not classified according to the environmental criteria of the DGT, the Spanish traffic authority. Therefore, all foreign vehicles must be registered before they can drive in the low emission zones. Only vehicles registered in Spain are required to wear the sticker.

Foreign vehicles do not require a physical sticker to be affixed to the windscreen. The online "validated" status is sufficient to prove that your vehicle is registered and authorized to circulate in the zone.

The most polluting vehicles are banned.

Vehicles that do not meet the Euro 3 (for petrol vehicles) or Euro 4 (for diesel vehicles) standards are not allowed to drive in the LEZ.

Which are the timetables for the Barcelona BIA?

The BIA operates on weekdays, Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm.

It does not operate at weekends from Friday 8pm to Monday 7am and on public holidays.

However, during the week you can cross the city without being registered only if you take the Ronda de Dalt (B20) and the Ronda Litoral (B10).

List of public holidays in Barcelona in 2024

1 January: New Year's Day

6 January: Epiphany

7 April: Easter Friday

10 April: Easter Monday

1 May: Labour Day

29 May: Whit Monday

24 June: Saint John's Day

15 August: Feast of the Virgin Mary

24 September: La Mercè

26 September: Local Festival

12 October: Spanish National Day

1 November: All Saints' Day

6 December: Constitution Day

8 December: Immaculate Conception

25 December: Christmas

26 December: San Esteban

Map of Barcelona Low Emission Zone - ZBE: 

How do I obtain the right to drive in Barcelona's ZBE?

Vehicle owners must apply to register their vehicle on the ZBE Metròpolis de Barcelona website, following the procedure indicated. Make sure you have your vehicle documents - and patience!

How to register a foreign vehicle for the ZBE in Barcelona

To register a foreign vehicle to drive in Barcelona's Low Emission Zones (ZBE), you need to follow a specific procedure via the online platform provided by the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB) ZBE Metròpolis de Barcelona.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Access the ZBE registration portal :
Go to the official AMB ZBE page: ZBE - Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona.
Look for the section dedicated to foreign vehicle registration. This may be indicated under a heading for vehicles not registered in Spain or outside Catalonia.
2. Prepare the necessary documents:
Make sure you have the following documents:
> Vehicle registration certificate.
> A document proving the vehicle's emission standard (usually indicated on the registration certificate or a certificate of conformity).
> Vehicle owner's identity document.
Any other document specified on the portal.
3. Register your vehicle online :
Click on the registration link provided on the ZBE page.
You will be directed to a form where you will need to fill in information such as vehicle registration number, emission standard and owner details.
Upload the necessary documents as instructed.
4. Submit the Application:
After filling in all the required fields and uploading the documents, submit your application.
You should receive a confirmation e-mail indicating that your vehicle has been successfully registered.
5. Check Registration Status:
After submission, you can check the status of your registration on the same portal.
No physical sticker is required for foreign vehicles; an online “validated” status is sufficient to prove that your vehicle is authorized to circulate in the BIA.
6. Driving in the BIA :
Once your vehicle has been registered and validated, you can legally drive in Barcelona's ZBE without having to affix a windscreen sticker.
If information is not readily available on the official AMB page, or if you encounter difficulties, you can contact the AMB directly via the contact details provided on the site for further assistance.

How long does it take to get the right to drive in Barcelona's ZBE?

The vehicle registration application will be processed (accepted, refused or returned as incomplete) within 24 hours of submission. During this period, until you receive confirmation of registration, the vehicle is not considered registered and is therefore not authorized to enter low-emission zones. This rule applies both to vehicles that comply with environmental standards and to those that do not and are seeking to obtain daily permits.

A good point: if the user does not de-register his vehicle, it will remain on the register permanently, provided it continues to meet the requirements.

How much does the Barcelona ZBE cost?

A one-off administrative fee of 7 euros will be charged for the registration procedure for vehicles that meet the requirements for driving in low-emission zones.

In the case of vehicles requiring occasional entry into low-emission zones, an administrative fee is charged for each one-day permit. This fee is subject to review and is published annually.

Can I still drive to Barcelona without ZBE authorization?

Of course, you can still drive to Barcelona without ZBE authorization. You have three options:

> Arrive outside ZBE hours: The ZBE is not in force at weekends (Friday 8.01pm to Monday 6.59am) and weekday nights (Monday to Friday 8.01pm to 6.59am). You can therefore enter the city during these periods.
> Parking outside the ZBE: Park your car in a parking lot in Barcelona and use public transport to get around during your stay.
> Crossing Barcelona: You can cross the city without authorization via the Ronda de Dalt (B20) and the Ronda Litoral (B10), for example to get to the airport.