Vehicles with environmental label B (yellow) have an expiration date in the Low Emission Zone (ZBE) of Barcelona. According to the regional strategy set out in the Generalitat’s “Horizon 2027” Air Quality Plan, these vehicles will be subject to one-off access restrictions from January 1, 2026, and a permanent ban from January 2028.
From January 1, 2026, vehicles with label B will be banned from circulation exclusively during episodes of high environmental pollution decreed by the competent authorities, with a schedule of application that usually, in similar episodes, is from Monday to Friday from 7 am to 8 pm.
From January 2028, the restriction will no longer depend on the air quality at the time and will become a permanent ban.
The ZBE cameras will control access and will automatically sanction when the established pollution limits are exceeded.
Which vehicles will be affected by this regulation
The regulation has a direct impact on an older vehicle fleet. The B label encompasses gasoline passenger cars registered between 2001 and 2006 and diesel cars registered between 2006 and 2014.
The restriction is not limited to private cars: it will also affect transport vehicles and those with more than eight seats, which will have a direct impact on self-employed vans and delivery vans which, although functional, will be considered “too polluting”.
The restrictions will be applied in the 95 square kilometers that make up the ZBE, which includes a large part of Barcelona, as well as L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Esplugues and Cornellà. This will affect daily routes that cross the city or connect areas such as Baix Llobregat with the center.
The regulation contemplates margins of flexibility through punctual permits (not permanent) for essential services (emergencies, health transport), people with reduced mobility and some residents.