Low-emission zones in the Netherlands: can your car go in?
Dutch low-emission zones (milieuzones) only apply to diesel cars, vans, lorries and buses. Petrol, electric and hybrid cars may always enter. For a diesel car, the municipality sets a minimum emission class, shown on a sub-sign under sign C22e at each entrance; check your licence plate on milieuzones.nl. Zero-emission zones apply to vans and lorries, not to private cars.
Only for diesel
A low-emission zone closes the area to cars, vans, lorries and buses with a diesel engine that do not meet the emission class the municipality requires (article 86d). Vehicles on any other fuel may always enter. Whether your diesel car may enter depends on its emission class; the official check by licence plate is on milieuzones.nl.
The signs
Every entrance has sign C22e, closed to cars, vans, lorries or buses because of emission requirements, with a sub-sign showing the minimum emission class. Sign C22f marks the end of the zone. Since 1 January 2026 municipalities use a new sign for low-emission zones and replace the old ones over time.
Zero-emission zones
A zero-emission zone (nul-emissiezone) allows only emission-free vans and lorries. Arnhem, for example, introduced one for vans and lorries on 1 June 2026, while keeping its low-emission zone for diesel cars. Zero-emission zones do not apply to private cars.
Exceptions
- Vehicles first registered forty or more years ago.
- Cars adapted for wheelchair users.
- Campervans in the zone where their keeper lives.
- Disabled drivers with a vehicle adapted for 500 euros or more get an exemption, valid across the country.
The exam trap: a petrol car at a low-emission zone sign. Low-emission zones are about diesel; a petrol car may enter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive into a Dutch low-emission zone?
With a petrol, electric or hybrid car, yes: low-emission zones (milieuzones) only apply to diesel vehicles. With a diesel car it depends on the emission class that the municipality requires; check your licence plate on milieuzones.nl.
How do I recognise a low-emission zone?
By sign C22e with a sub-sign showing the minimum emission class, at every entrance. Sign C22f marks the end. Since 1 January 2026 municipalities use a new sign for this.
What is a zero-emission zone?
A zone where vans and lorries must be emission-free, such as the zone Arnhem introduced for vans and lorries on 1 June 2026. They do not apply to private cars.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, for example vehicles that are forty years or older, and cars adapted for wheelchair users. Disabled drivers with an adapted vehicle can get an exemption.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
- Dutch traffic regulations, RVV 1990 (wetten.overheid.nl)
- Milieuzones.nl (government site, check by licence plate)
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.