Several Palma residents have recently been taken aback upon receiving fines for driving through Palma's Low Emission Zone (LEZ), as they incorrectly assumed they already possessed the necessary authorisation to do so. The Palma City Council has issued a warning that residents with foreign-registered vehicles must complete a specific registration process to avoid penalties, as these vehicles "are not automatically authorised to enter the LEZ".
The Council has explained that the issue stems from the fact that "the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) system is not standardised across the European Union (EU), with each country having its own classification method, making it impossible to automatically verify emission levels of foreign-registered vehicles".
Officials have stated that residents registered at addresses within the LEZ who own foreign-plated vehicles that meet the requirements for access must register in the municipal database to obtain authorisation, which will be valid for a maximum period of six months.
Specifically, interested parties must submit a general application through Palma City Council's electronic portal (registro/presentación de solicitudes), in person at Citizen Service Offices (OAC), or by prior appointment via the Council's website to be added to the Municipal Register of vehicles authorised for the LEZ, providing the vehicle's technical documentation. "You cannot access the ACIRE zones in the centre without the corresponding authorisation," the local government has emphasised. The standard fine is 200 euros, but this may increase for repeat offenders.
What requirements must be met to access Palma's LEZ?
Vehicles authorised to enter Palma's Low Emission Zone include petrol cars and light vans registered after January 2000 (meeting Euro 3 standards) and diesel vehicles registered after January 2006 (meeting Euro 4 and 5 standards).
Also permitted are vehicles with more than eight seats and goods transport vehicles, both petrol and diesel, registered from 2005 onwards. Motorcycles and mopeds meeting Euro 2 standards, registered since 2003, are likewise allowed.
Similarly, plug-in hybrids with less than 40km range, non-plug-in hybrids, natural gas vehicles (CNG and LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles can access the zone. Also permitted are 100% battery electric vehicles (BEV), extended-range electric vehicles (REEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) with a minimum range of 40km, and fuel cell vehicles.