Low-emission zones: how will they affect vehicle dealing in the coming years?

Environmental rules are transforming the used-car market. With the expansion of low-emission zones (ZBE, Zonas de Bajas Emisiones) in many cities, demand and prices for certain types of cars are changing fast. While older, more polluting vehicles face restrictions, opportunities are also opening up for those looking for options that fit the new regulations.

What are low-emission zones (ZBE) and how do they affect used cars?

Low-emission zones (ZBE) are urban areas where only vehicles with environmental badges that meet certain emissions standards can circulate freely. These badges, issued by the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico, Spain’s traffic authority), classify vehicles into four categories:

• 🔵 Zero badge: Only for electric vehicles and some plug-in hybrids with more than 40 km of electric range.
• 🔵🟢 ECO badge: Includes non-plug-in hybrids, gas hybrids (LPG or CNG) and some plug-in hybrids with shorter range.
• 🟢 C badge: For petrol cars registered from 2006 and diesel from 2015, meeting Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel).
• 🟡 B badge: Petrol vehicles registered between 2001 and 2005, and diesel between 2006 and 2014, with Euro 3 (petrol) and Euro 4/5 (diesel).

Vehicles with no badge, generally registered before 2001 (petrol) or 2006 (diesel), are the most affected, because their access to ZBEs is restricted and demand for them in cities will fall.

The new Traffic Law came into force in March 2022 and treats driving a vehicle without a badge inside a low-emission zone as a serious offence. Fines are €200, with no points deducted.

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What impact will low-emission zones have on used-car dealing?

– Falling value of vehicles with no badge

Cars without an environmental badge are losing appeal in the urban market. This is leading to:

• Lower prices for older models.
• Greater difficulty selling them in cities with active ZBEs.
• Greater interest from buyers in rural areas or international markets where restrictions are lighter.

– Growing interest in models with B and C badges

Although vehicles with B and C badges also face restrictions in some cities, they remain a viable option for many buyers. Demand stays stable, especially in areas where ZBEs have not yet come into force.

– Opportunities in used-car dealing

For buyers and sellers in the used-car sector, this situation can be an opportunity if they focus on:

• Vehicles with B and C badges, which are still accessible in most cities.
• Models that can be converted to LPG, which could turn them into ECO vehicles.
• Selling cars with no badge in markets where the restrictions are not a problem.

Conclusion

The used-car market is evolving with environmental restrictions. Although older models lose value in cities, there are many opportunities for buyers and sellers who adapt to the new trends.

In Veiko* auctions, professionals can find vehicles at competitive prices, an excellent alternative in a constantly changing market.

Cities with low-emission zones in Spain 📍

The following cities have implemented a ZBE or are in the process of doing so:

• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Valencia
• Seville
• Málaga
• Bilbao
• Córdoba
• A Coruña
• Pontevedra
• Badalona
• Rivas-Vaciamadrid
• Sant Cugat del Vallès
• Sant Joan Despí

The situation in Zaragoza and Valladolid 📌

In Zaragoza, although the ZBE came into force in August 2024, the local police have no order to fine offenders until 2026. In addition, enforcement of this restricted area, designed to limit the most polluting vehicles, will be carried out through the new blue- and orange-zone inspection service, which has not yet gone out to tender.

Valladolid, for its part, will have its own low-emission zone from 1 July 2025.