Attention, vacationers! New diesel driving bans are imminent across Europe!

Attention, vacationers! New diesel driving bans are imminent across Europe!

In Europe, the regulations regarding diesel driving bans are extremely diverse and vary considerably from country to country. While there is no uniform diesel driving ban, many countries have implemented specific measures to combat air pollution. Drivers, especially German tourists, should therefore find out about the applicable regulations in advance of their journey in order to avoid fines. [Merkur] reports that local measures often also apply to foreign vehicles.

A particularly strict example can be found in Paris, where there is a driving ban on Euro 3 diesels in the city center on the first Sunday of every month. Athens also applies a rotating driving ban, which is usually suspended during the summer months. The Netherlands has low emission zones that impose strict regulations in cities like Arnhem, where diesel was banned before 2005.

Regional specifics of driving bans

In Norway, which imposes a congestion charge in many cities, Oslo and Bergen have rotating bans on diesel vehicles between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. when air pollution is high. Italy will introduce new regulations affecting diesel vehicles from October 2025. In Milan, for example, access for Euro 0 to 3 diesel is prohibited from Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Comprehensive restrictions on Euro 5 diesel will also apply in Lombardy from October 2025. There is a regulation between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

In Emilia-Romagna, drivers must expect driving bans in municipalities in the Po Valley from October 2025 if they have more than 30,000 inhabitants. Veneto is also planning driving restrictions for larger cities from the same period. Violations of these driving bans can be expensive; A fine of 168 euros is the norm, and if someone is noticed several times, there is a risk of a temporary driving license being revoked for 15 to 30 days.

Special features in European cities

In many European cities, including Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent in Belgium, the driving ban on Euro standard 0 to 4 diesel vehicles applies around the clock. Drivers must register in advance to be allowed to enter these environmental zones. Denmark, especially Copenhagen, and numerous cities in France have also set up environmental zones that provide for similar regulations.

Likewise in London, where a congestion charge applies to all motorized vehicles during peak hours, and in many other British cities that have established low-emission zones. In cities like Prague and Budapest, drivers of trucks in environmentally harmful categories also face restrictions. Overall, it is advisable for drivers to always find out in advance about the current regulations and environmental zones in the countries they want to travel to [ADAC].

The variety of regulations illustrates how important it is to deal with the regulations in good time in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and protect the environment.