The Future of Spain's Low Emission Zones: Confirmed Changes Only, With Caution

What is confirmed: the current system stays in place

After an amendment removed the short-term obligation to reform the label system, the four current categories (0, ECO, C and B) remain unchanged. As of this publication, there is no approved new label classification and no official timetable for replacing the current system. Some third-party sites have circulated a claim that the PHEV electric-range threshold for label 0 rose to 90 km from 2026 — this is not correct as of now; the DGT's own published criteria still set that threshold at 40 km. Always verify against dgt.es directly rather than a secondary source.

What was proposed and paused

A review of the assignment criteria was discussed, aimed at gradually tightening the requirements for labels C and B as the oldest part of the vehicle fleet naturally shrinks, and reportedly including CO2 emissions as an additional classification factor. That proposal was removed from Spain's Sustainable Mobility Law by a parliamentary amendment around October 2025. Its future development depends on political and administrative decisions that can, by nature, be delayed, altered or dropped entirely.

What is actually moving forward: new ZBEs rolling out

Separately from the debate over the labels themselves, the legal requirement for municipalities with more than 50,000 residents to have an operating Low Emission Zone remains in force and continues to be rolled out. Cities still in their implementation phase, such as Valencia or Seville, will likely tighten their restrictions further over time, regardless of whether the national label system itself changes.

What this means if you are importing a car

• The 0/ECO/C/B system is the valid reference today, with no confirmed date for replacement.
• Municipal ZBE ordinances can tighten independently of the national label system, and tend to do so more often.
• Choosing the best label available (0 or ECO) remains the safest choice against future regulatory change, whether it comes from the DGT or from a city hall.
• Check the regulation actually in force at the time you import, rather than anticipating changes that have not happened.

The one safe bet about the future of Spain's Low Emission Zones is that individual city rules will keep moving faster than the DGT's. That is why it pays to buy with margin.