Low-emission zoneNetherlands

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Netherlands. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Netherlands

26. Low-emission zone

A low-emission zone, or LEZ, is a defined area where access by more polluting vehicles is restricted in order to reduce traffic-related air pollution. Vehicles that do not satisfy the required emission criteria may be prohibited from entering or may require a temporary permit, exemption or day pass.

Access rules commonly depend on factors such as the vehicle category, fuel type and Euro emission standard. Low-emission-zone requirements vary between countries and cities, so drivers should check the applicable rules before entering the zone.

Start of a low-emission zone. (Leiden, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Bic • CC BY-SA

How are low-emission access restrictions applied in the Netherlands?

Dutch municipalities operate milieuzones (restrictions on certain diesel vehicles) and zero-emission zones affecting specified commercial vans and lorries. Their purposes and vehicle requirements are not interchangeable.

🔗 business.gov.nl • Netherlands Enterprise Agency — environmental and zero-emission zones, commercial vehicle categories and local checks

Do Dutch diesel environmental zones and zero-emission delivery zones have identical requirements?

No. A milieuzone concerns designated diesel vehicles, while zero-emission zones primarily affect vans and lorries. Rules and transition periods depend on the vehicle and the zone.

🔗 business.gov.nl • Netherlands Enterprise Agency — environmental and zero-emission zones, commercial vehicle categories and local checks

Does entering an emissions-restricted area change the speed limit in the Netherlands?

No, not solely because of its emissions designation. Obey the separately applicable speed signs, vehicle restrictions and priority rules. A permit or emissions exemption does not override the normal traffic rules.

🔗 business.gov.nl • Netherlands Enterprise Agency — environmental and zero-emission zones, commercial vehicle categories and local checks

Start of a low-emission zone.

English • Traffic sign C22e • Closed to passenger cars, commercial vehicles, lorries or buses and coaches because of emission requirements (environmental zone or zero-emission zone).

Nederlands • Verkeersbord C22e • Gesloten voor personenauto’s, bedrijfsauto’s, vrachtauto’s of autobussen vanwege emissie-eisen (milieuzone of nul-emissiezone).

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990, bijlage 1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
LxH526 • Public domain • Source revision 2026-02-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

End of the low-emission zone.

English • Traffic sign C22f • End of the restriction imposed because of emission requirements (environmental zone or zero-emission zone).

Nederlands • Verkeersbord C22f • Einde geslotenverklaring vanwege emissie-eisen (milieuzone of nul-emissiezone).

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990, bijlage 1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
LxH526 • Public domain • Source revision 2026-02-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Selective barriers

Priority at the next junction

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...