Environmental Windscreen Stickers in Spain
Spain has introduced environmental windscreen stickers, known as distintivos ambientales, as part of its efforts to reduce air pollution and encourage cleaner transport. These stickers are issued by the DGT and are used to classify vehicles according to their emissions.
They are becoming increasingly important for drivers in Spain, particularly in cities and areas where access is restricted according to a vehicle’s environmental category.
Check Your Spanish Registration Number
Enter your Spanish registration number below to check which environmental sticker may apply to your vehicle.
This checker is for Spanish registration numbers only. Spaces are removed automatically.
Low Emission Zones
One of the main purposes of these stickers is to help local authorities manage Low Emission Zones (ZBEs) in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, where traffic restrictions may apply during periods of higher pollution or in more environmentally sensitive areas.
The system is designed to encourage the use of lower-emission vehicles by allowing them greater access, while more polluting vehicles may face tighter restrictions.
Why They Matter
Depending on the vehicle you drive and where you travel, the correct environmental sticker can be important for everyday use, city access and compliance with local regulations.
If your vehicle qualifies for a sticker, displaying the correct one can help avoid confusion and make it easier to identify your vehicle’s category when required.
Types of Sticker and Their Use
There are four main categories of environmental sticker in Spain, each linked to a different level of vehicle emissions.
Zero Emissions Badge
The Zero Emissions sticker is intended for vehicles that produce little to no direct emissions. These vehicles are generally granted the highest level of access to low emission zones and may also benefit from parking advantages in some areas.
- Battery electric vehicles (BEV)
- Extended range electric vehicles (REEV)
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles with a minimum electric range of 40 km
- Fuel cell vehicles
ECO Badge
The ECO sticker applies to hybrid and other lower-emission vehicles. These vehicles can usually access many restricted areas, although some limitations may still apply depending on local rules and pollution levels.
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles with a range of less than 40 km
- Non-plug-in hybrid vehicles (HEV)
- Natural gas-powered vehicles
- Vehicles powered by CNG, LNG or LPG
C Badge
The C sticker generally applies to newer petrol and diesel vehicles. These vehicles are allowed in many areas, although restrictions may still apply in certain city centres or more environmentally sensitive zones.
- Petrol passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2006
- Diesel passenger cars and light vans registered from 2014
- Vehicles with more than 8 seats and heavy vehicles, petrol or diesel, registered from 2014
- Petrol vehicles complying with Euro 4, 5 and 6 standards, and diesel vehicles complying with Euro 6
B Badge
The B sticker is generally issued to older petrol and diesel vehicles. These vehicles may face greater restrictions in low emission zones, especially during periods of high pollution.
- Petrol passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2000
- Diesel passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2006
- Vehicles with more than 8 seats and heavy vehicles, petrol or diesel, registered from 2005
- Petrol vehicles meeting Euro 3 standards and diesel vehicles meeting Euro 4 or Euro 5 standards
Free Environmental Sticker
If you are importing a vehicle with us, using our company to transfer ownership of your vehicle, insuring your vehicle through us, or coming to us for your ITV test, we will supply the correct environmental sticker for your vehicle free of charge.
For everyone else, the cost is just €6.
We Can Help You Get the Correct One
Whether you are importing, transferring ownership, arranging insurance or simply need to obtain the correct environmental sticker for your vehicle, our team can help.