Environmental zones in the Netherlands: What does this mean for you?
More and more cities in the Netherlands are taking steps to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions. One of these measures is the introduction of environmental zones, areas where polluting vehicles are restricted or banned. But what does this mean for you as a driver? Where do environmental zones apply, and what rules are in place? In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you.
What is an environmental zone?
An environmental zone is a designated area within a city where certain vehicles can only enter if they meet emission standards. This mostly applies to older diesel vehicles that cause more emissions. The emission class of your vehicle determines whether you are allowed to enter an environmental zone.
As of January 1, 2025, the rules for environmental zones in the Netherlands have become stricter. Only diesel passenger cars and vans with at least emission class 4 or 5 will be allowed to enter an environmental zone. Additionally, some cities have introduced zero-emission zones, where only completely emission-free vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen cars, are permitted.
Where are environmental zones in the Netherlands?
Currently, four cities have an environmental zone for diesel passenger cars and vans:
- Amsterdam (access from emission class 5)
- Arnhem (access from emission class 4)
- The Hague (access from emission class 4)
- Utrecht (access from emission class 5)
In addition, nine municipalities have an environmental zone for diesel trucks:
Amsterdam, Arnhem, Breda, Delft, Haarlem, Maastricht, Maasvlakte Rotterdam, Rijswijk en ’s-Hertogenbosch.
Note: Some cities, such as Rotterdam and Eindhoven, have abolished the environmental zone for trucks and replaced it with a zero-emission zone.
Environmental zone for mopeds and scooters
Amsterdam and The Hague have a separate environmental zone for mopeds and scooters. This means that older mopeds and scooters are not allowed to enter all parts of the city. Check the municipal website to see if your vehicle is permitted.
Zero-emission zones: The next step toward cleaner traffic
In addition to environmental zones, more zero-emission zones are being introduced in the Netherlands. These are areas where only fully emission-free vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen cars, will be allowed to drive starting in 2025.
Zero-emission zones apply to trucks and vans, including box trucks and tractor units. Passenger cars are not included in these zones and can continue to enter as long as they meet the standard environmental zone rules.
Currently, 14 municipalities have introduced a zero-emission zone, including:
Amsterdam, Den Haag, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Tilburg, Nijmegen, Leiden, Delft, Zwolle, Maastricht, Assen, Amersfoort en Gouda.
Additionally, 16 more municipalities are planning to introduce a zero-emission zone or are conducting research on it.
What does this mean for your KINTO car?
Do you drive a car through KINTO? Then you don’t have to worry. All KINTO cars meet the emission standards for passenger vehicles, allowing you to easily enter all standard environmental zones.
Note: Not all KINTO cars are suitable for zero-emission zones. Our fleet includes both hybrid and petrol cars, and only fully electric vehicles are allowed in these zones. Always check beforehand if your car is eligible via the municipal website of the city you plan to visit.
What happens if you enter an environmental zone without permission?
If you enter an environmental zone with a car that doesn’t meet the emission requirements, you risk a fine. Enforcement is done via automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), meaning violations are immediately recorded. Avoid surprises by checking in advance whether your car is allowed in the zone.
Do you need an environmental sticker in the Netherlands?
No, unlike countries such as Germany and France, you don’t need an environmental sticker in the Netherlands. If your vehicle meets the emission requirements, you can enter the environmental zone without additional registration.
Carefree driving with KINTO
With a KINTO car, you’re well-prepared for the environmental rules in the Netherlands. Want to drive a modern, environmentally friendly car without any hassle? Explore the possibilities and configure your subscription.