Starting this Monday, June 15th, Vitoria-Gasteiz's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is accepting applications for exemptions for vehicles that do not meet general requirements but may be authorized for personal, work, or necessity reasons. Exemptions will vary depending on the case, including residents, garage owners, professionals needing their car for work, and residents with mobility issues.
The City Council will automatically grant some authorizations as they already possess the necessary data. This applies to residents within the LEZ, holders of a PMR card issued by the Council, owners of garages or access permits in the affected area, and businesses or services registered within the restricted zone. For these individuals, no specific application will be needed if their situation is already documented by the municipality.
However, individuals with limited mobility or illness without a PMR card, those with low income, professionals requiring a car for work, individuals nearing retirement who use their vehicle for their activities, essential public service vehicles, foreign-plated vehicles, or those needing access due to justified emergencies, must submit an application. In cases of force majeure, justification can be provided up to three calendar days after entering the LEZ.
Submitting an application does not guarantee immediate access to the LEZ. Authorization is only valid once the City Council confirms acceptance via email. For applications submitted between June 15th and August 22nd, 2025, confirmation will be sent soon; for those submitted after August 23rd, 2025, a response is expected within a minimum of 15 calendar days.
The LEZ will not affect non-motorized vehicles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, mopeds, electric scooters for people with reduced mobility, or the tram. Certain vehicles are also excluded based on their classification or service, including some historic vehicles, vehicles adapted for reduced mobility, special vehicles, and those for cargo, repair, maintenance, taxis, VTCs, buses, and coaches, all subject to conditions set by the City Council.
