In recent years, polluting emissions from vehicles have contributed to the global warming and environmental degradation. To combat this problem, the system of DGT environmental labels, which classifies vehicles according to their level of polluting emissions. This classification is based on European anti-pollution regulations and plays a fundamental role in the regulation of Low Emission Zones (LEZ), which restrict the access of the most polluting vehicles to urban areas with more than 50,000 inhabitants.
In this article, we will explain in depth what the DGT environmental labels are, how to obtain them, their characteristics, advantages, and the restrictions that apply to each of them.
What are the environmental labels of the DGT
From 2023, Spanish cities with more than 50.000 inhabitants are required to have Low Emission Zones (ZBE) as part of its National Air Quality Plan. DGT environmental labels They are a crucial tool in this context, as they allow vehicles to be classified according to their level of polluting emissions.
This labeling system follows the regulations Euro, which is dedicated to regulating emissions of polluting particles from vehicles. The labels, awarded by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), categorize vehicles according to the type of fuel they use and the engine technology, classifying them into five different categories.
Classification plays a key role in distinguishing between vehicles that can access LEZs and those that cannot, and is a fundamental requirement for reducing pollution in urban environments. Furthermore, this system not only has an impact on mobility, but also influences taxes and fees linked to vehicle use.
Classification of DGT environmental labels
The European anti-pollution regulations are the basis on which the different DGT environmental labels are established. These labels allow vehicles to be differentiated according to their impact on the environment:
- no label: Vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards do not receive any label. Generally, this applies to vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards. Gasoline cars before 2001 and pre-2006 dieselThese vehicles face the most severe restrictions in the LEZs.
- Label B (yellow): Includes passenger cars and light vans. gasoline registered from 2001 onwards (Euro III) and diesel since 2006 (Euro IV and V). Although they have limited access to LEZs, they face restrictions in high pollution scenarios.
- Label C (green): This label corresponds to vehicles of gasoline registered since 2006 and Diesel vehicles registered from 2015 onwardsThese cars comply with Euro IV, V or VI regulations and enjoy greater freedoms in terms of access to urban areas.
- ECO label (green and blue): It is awarded to vehicles that combine combustion with an electric motor. It includes non-plug-in hybrids, to the Plug-in hybrids with a range of less than 40 km already gas-powered vehicles such as NCG, LNG o GLPVehicles with this label have tax advantages and greater ease of circulation.
- Zero Emissions Label (blue): The most environmentally friendly vehicles fall into this category. They include pure electric vehicles, Plug-in hybrids with more than 40 km of autonomy and those with hydrogen fuel cellThese are the vehicles with the greatest freedom in the ZBE, with unrestricted access in most cities.
Advantages and limitations according to the DGT label
Environmental labels not only determine traffic restrictions, but also offer certain economic advantagesBelow we highlight the main advantages and limitations of each type of label:
- Zero Emissions Label: These vehicles enjoy the most privileges, including free access to all ZBEs, exemption from payments in regulated parking zones and tax benefits.
- ECO label: Vehicles with this label also have significant advantages, such as Discounts on tolls and public parking areas in cities with high population density. However, in high pollution scenarios, they may be subject to restrictions.
- Label C: Although they are allowed to circulate in most areas, these vehicles may not access "zero emission" zones or have parking restrictions in densely populated urban areas.
- Label B: This group of vehicles has more severe restrictions. Although they can access urban areas, in cities like Madrid, for example, They cannot park on public roads, having to use regulated parking on many occasions.
- no label: Vehicles without a label face the strictest restrictions, with total bans access to many LEZs and should be gradually withdrawn from circulation.
Restrictions vary depending on each city's policy. For example, in Madrid, vehicles without a label cannot circulate on the M-30, while in Barcelona, cars without a sticker are prohibited from entering during rush hour on weekdays.
Key dates and future developments of environmental labels
The year 2023 has marked a turning point in urban traffic management in Spain. The implementation of the LEZs was mandatory for cities with more than 50.000 inhabitants, and the trend is that both these restrictions and the classification of environmental labels will continue to evolve in the coming years.
Looking ahead, there are key dates to keep in mind:
- 2025: This year, restrictions are expected to affect All vehicles without a label, which will no longer be able to circulate in urban areas, and progress is being made towards banning vehicles with B and C labels in specific areas of some cities.
- 2030: By this date, the gradual elimination of the internal combustion vehicles, in favor of electric and hybrid vehicles.
- 2035:From this year, traditional combustion cars are expected to be phased out of the market, as part of the European strategy to reduce emissions.
Although the labeling system has been key to reducing vehicle emissions, some experts already warn that the Current labeling system could become obsolete as new emissions standards, such as the WLTP regulation, come into play. This could lead to the emergence of new labels that better differentiate between vehicle types based on the actual level of emissions.
How and where to obtain DGT labels?
Obtaining the DGT sticker is a simple process. If your car meets the requirements established by the regulations, you can easily purchase it in the following places:
- Post Offices: DGT stickers are available at post offices for an approximate cost of 5 Euros.
- Authorized workshops: You can also purchase stickers from the network of workshops of the Spanish Confederation of Workshops (CETRAA) and other authorized workshops.
- Agencies: Some agencies offer the service of selling environmental badges.
- IDEAUTO: You can also get them through the Institute of Automotive Studies (IDEAUTO).
It is important to add that companies with fleets of vehicles have the possibility of acquiring the badges through the GANVAM Association. Currently, the cost of the sticker is 5 euros (plus VAT), although it may vary slightly depending on the supplier.
Remember that, although it is not mandatory to carry the sticker in all municipalities, it is highly recommended to stick it on the windshield of your car to avoid problems in cities where the ZBE are already in operation.
The DGT's environmental label system is intended to ensure better air quality and encourage the use of less polluting vehicles. While we will continue to see changes and evolutions in regulations, drivers who own vehicles with ECO or Zero Emissions labels already enjoy greater advantages and will be better prepared for future restrictions.