In recent years, urban mobility in Spain has changed completely, especially in large cities, due to – or thanks to – the so-called Low Emission Zones (ZBE). These areas have brought with them specific restrictions on certain types of vehicles, and among the most notable are those carrying the label BThe future of these cars, first on the list after those without any environmental badge, is a cause for concern for many drivers, especially given the successive announcements of new restrictions on access to city centers and other protected areas.
The yellow DGT label It has become a symbol of cars that, while not the oldest, still fail to meet the most stringent emissions standards. The debate over what will happen in Spain with B labels on cars is more intense than ever as city councils refine their regulations and the deadline for these regulations approaches in many cities.
Which vehicles carry the B label?
El environmental badge B It was introduced by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) in 2016 to categorize cars according to their level of polluting emissions. Gasoline-powered passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2001 onwards carry a B label.As well as diesel registered since 2006. This also includes vehicles with more than eight seats and freight vehicles, both gasoline and diesel, registered after that same date. They are identified on the windshield by an easily recognizable yellow sticker.
These vehicles comply with older Euro standards (Euro 3 for petrol and Euro 4 or 5 for diesel), which places them in an intermediate position: better than those without a label, but far from the requirements of cars with C, ECO or Zero badges. For this reason, Your days of free movement in big cities are numbered.
How do Low Emission Zones currently affect cars with B labels?
Since the entry into force of the Law 7/2021 on Climate ChangeAll municipalities with more than 50.000 inhabitants—and those with more than 20.000 that exceed certain pollution levels—are required to implement Low Emission Zones. However, each municipality defines in its own way how and when to restrict access to vehicles with different labels. This patchwork of regulations is a constant source of uncertainty.
As a rule, The first to be left out were cars without an environmental label. (prior to 2001 in gasoline and 2006 in diesel). Now, the next on the list are precisely the cars with label BRestrictions are already in place in several parts of the country and are expected to be gradually tightened.
Examples of active and planned restrictions in Spanish cities
- Madrid: Cars with a B label can circulate through most of the municipality and along the M-30, although there are restrictions in specific areas, such as the ZBEDEP Central District. Visitors can only enter if they park in an authorized public parking lot, if the owner is registered in the area, or if they meet certain requirements (transporting people with reduced mobility, having a parking space there, or for specific business purposes). For now, there are no restrictions in Plaza Elíptica.
- Barcelona: Currently it allows cars with a B label to circulate in the ZBE, but it has already announced that from the On January 1, 2028, access to these areas will be prohibited for such vehicles.The Generalitat (Catalan government) has postponed that date, giving property owners more leeway. Furthermore, the measure will affect any Catalan city with more than 50.000 inhabitants. Discounts on public transport will remain in place as an alternative.
- Bilbao: From June 15, 2025, only registered residents with a B tag will be able to enter.
- Estepona (Málaga): Vehicles with a B sticker are prohibited from circulating in the LEZ between 8:00 a.m. and 21:00 p.m.
- Palm: Beginning January 1, 2027 Vehicles with a B label will not be able to enter the LEZ.
- Getafe (Madrid): A similar strategy to the capital: non-residents with B tags can only access public parking.
The trend is repeated: Cars with a B label are losing options in large urban centers., and the list of cities that apply restrictions will grow with the mandatory implementation of LEZs.
Trends and timing: When will B-cars be phased out?
There are already dates marked that They mean the end of the circulation of B labels in certain areas:
- Catalonia and Barcelona: January 1, 2028: End of access to the ZBE for all B-label holders.
- Palma de Mallorca: Prohibition from 1 January 2027 in the LEZ.
- Bilbao: From mid-2025, access only for residents with a B label.
En Madrid For now, there's no unified expiration date, but the plan is to progressively tighten access as the decade progresses. Future ordinances will eventually bring the situation into line with other major capitals.
At the European level, the roadmap is clear: In 2035, the sale of new diesel and gasoline cars will be banned. in the European Union, and for 2050 These vehicles are expected to disappear almost completely from circulation.
What happens outside the LEZs?
In areas without Low Emission Zones, there are currently no specific restrictions on cars with a B label, except in specific episodes of high pollution when local governments can implement temporary measures. However, many experts predict that in the medium term, the trend will be to extend these restrictions to more and more urban centers and access roads to large cities.
Special case: the M-30 and mobility in Madrid
In Madrid, the M-30 and its interior area continue to be subject to special attention for drivers with a B-label. These vehicles are still permitted to access and circulate on the M-30 and most of the municipality, but they must be aware of parking restrictions and different pollution scenarios. During periods of high pollution, the city may tighten restrictions, even closing access to B-label vehicles. Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to city council communications and check the conditions before each trip.
With all this, what is becoming increasingly clear is that the most imminent future will be contemplated almost entirely and exclusively for vehicles categorized as Eco and Zero Emissions...
