From that date, vehicles without an environmental badge that have benefited from these temporary exemptions will be required to meet the general conditions for accessing the ZBE. Specifically, the temporary exemptions for commercial and service establishments located within the ZBE, as well as for vehicles providing services within the zone, will end. The latter category includes industrial, commercial, or adaptable mixed-use vehicles, buses, taxis, and vehicles for hire with a driver (VTC). The temporary exemption for accessing private parking lots with rotation spaces within the ZBE will also conclude.
The City Council has specified that the temporary exemptions applied to commercial and service establishments and vehicles for service provision. The latter group includes industrial vehicles, commercial vehicles, buses, taxis, and VTCs. Additionally, the exemption for accessing private parking spaces with rotation capacity is ending.
The municipal ordinance granted a one-year grace period from the ZBE's entry into force, on September 15, 2025, to facilitate a gradual adaptation. Beatriz Artolazabal, Councilor for Public Space and Neighborhoods, recalled that these exemptions were introduced to ease the transition for the most affected groups, ensuring a gradual implementation with ample time and information.
The City Council reminds that the end of this transitional period does not affect residents within the ZBE, for whom a two-year exemption was established. Therefore, residents can continue to access with their vehicles without an environmental badge until September 15, 2027. This specific exemption for residents was established when the ZBE was launched in September 2025.
Furthermore, the remaining exemptions stipulated in the ordinance remain in effect. These include provisions for individuals with reduced mobility or low mobility, low income levels, professionals nearing retirement, holders or lessees of parking spaces, historic vehicles, emergency services, and other essential public services.
The ZBE came into effect on September 15, 2025, restricting access for vehicles without an environmental badge (label A), which generally includes gasoline passenger cars registered before 2001 and diesel vehicles before 2006. Vehicles with labels B, C, ECO, and Cero can access the ZBE, subject to any existing circulation restrictions on specific streets.
The regulation was implemented progressively with adaptation periods and exemptions to balance air quality improvement with the needs of residents, businesses, and professionals. Artolazabal concluded that the ongoing objective is to enhance air quality and move towards a healthier and more sustainable city, while avoiding unnecessary restrictions and ensuring clear public understanding of the access rules.
