Spain officially rolled out Low Emission Zones (LEZ) across the country on January 1.
The LEZs have been brought in as part of climate change legislation to cut carbon emissions, reports the Daily Record.
The zones restrict access for vehicles that don’t meet emission standards and drivers whose vehicles don’t meet these standards face fines of up to €200 (R3 660).
The new rules apply to areas with more than 50 000 inhabitants, of which there are 149 in Spain. Municipalities with more than 20 000 inhabitants and high air pollution levels will also have to enforce the new measures.
Travellers renting a car in Spain will need to ensure they are aware of these new regulations and that their vehicle is equipped with an official label, which has to be purchased by the driver. Rental cars also need to be newer than 2006 to meet the standards required.
To enter cities between 07h00 and 20h00 on working days, vehicles must comply with Euro 3 petrol and Euro 4 diesel standards.
Those with foreign number plates are exempt from these rules.
