Tourists need to be aware of the ZBE Barcelona Low Emissions Zone when driving their own cars in Barcelona. Known as the ZBE, its a traffic regulation zone in Barcelona which is aimed at trying to reduce the air pollution levels that vehicles create in the city and the scheme has been running since 2020. A quick overview for you - ALL VEHICLES being used on weekdays between 7AM and 8PM in the Barcelona ZBE zone need to register their cars with the ZBE Metropolis de Barcelona.
If you wish to avoid the ZBE registration and charges, you can only travel along certain roads and at certain times.
- Ronda de Dalt (B20) - you do not need to register to use this road to access the airport
- Ronda Litoral (B10) - you do not need to register to use this road to access the airport.
- You can also use the roads freely in the ZBE at weekends and on public bank holidays.
What exactly is the ZBE Barcelona Low Emissions Zone
A lot of countries in Europe now enforce a similar scheme in their major cities. The schemes are set up to try and reduce air pollution caused by vehicles by charging a fee to use the road in most cases or simply the requirement to register you vehicle in other cases. The UK's scheme is called the LEZ or Low-Emission Zone and probably the UK's most famous one is the central congestion charge set up in London, which is now gradually spreading further outside London.
Will your vehicle be affected by the ZBE in Barcelona and do you need to do anything
If you will be driving through central Barcelona during on a weekday between 7AM to 8PM, then yes, you will need to register for the scheme, is the short answer.
How do I register for the ZBE
The registered owner of the vehicle must apply for the vehicle to be registered on the Metropolitan Register on the ZBE Metropolis de Barcelona.
What will I need to apply
In order to apply you will need your vehicle details including chassis number and registration number.
How long does it take register in the scheme
From the day you submit your application via the website, you should receive notification of either being accepted, refused or returned as incomplete within 15 WORKING DAYS of your submission.
Do I need to apply each time I travel in Barcelona
No - once your vehicle is registered, and as long as the vehicle conditions doesn't change, it will remain on the register until you ask for it to be de-registered. This means you can travel in Barcelona in the same vehicle for several years, once you have registered.
Is there a cost to register on the ZBE
There is a one-off charge of €7.00 charged at the time of registration application.
For full details and to ensure our information is still all correct and up to date (as they do change and update the scheme) please see the following link which will take you directly to the website where you can also register.
LEZ - Mobilitat - Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (amb.cat)
