Low Emission Zone in Malaga 2025: affected areas

The low emission zone in Malaga is a key step toward more sustainable urban mobility, aiming to create a healthier environment for both residents and visitors. Read on to find out about Malaga’s new low emission regulations.

What Is the low emission zone in Malaga?

The low emission zone in Malaga is a designated area within the city center where access is gradually restricted for the most polluting vehicles. The initiative is designed to cut harmful emissions, such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, by controlling vehicle circulation in high-density and pedestrian-friendly zones.

This LEZ covers around 437 hectares, including Malaga’s Historic Center, the Soho district, and surrounding central areas. It is part of a broader plan to transform city transport into a greener and more efficient model.

ZBE Map: Included Streets

The zone is bounded by major roads such as Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, Avenida de Andalucía, Avenida de la Aurora, Calle Hilera, Paseo de Martiricos, Alameda de Capuchinos, and Paseo Salvador Rueda, among others. In total, more than 50 control points with license plate recognition cameras monitor entry and exit points, ensuring compliance with the regulations.

When Does the Low Emission Zone Come Into Effect in Málaga?

Following the approval of Málaga’s Low Emission Zone in November 2024, the first year will be a transitional phase, mainly used to inform the public. In the second year, the restrictions will begin—here’s how it works:

Phase One: November 2025

Starting in November 2025, vehicles without an environmental label issued by the DGT and not registered in Málaga will no longer be allowed to enter the Low Emission Zone of Málaga. These vehicles, mostly petrol cars registered before 2006 and diesel vehicles before 2014, will be fined if they enter.

However, vehicles without a label but registered in Málaga (i.e., those paying local road tax) will still be allowed access during this initial phase.

Phase Two: November 2026

From November 2026, restrictions will expand to include vehicles with a B label (yellow) that are not registered in Málaga. Both unlabelled vehicles and those with a B label from outside the city will have restricted access.

Residents of Málaga will continue to be allowed access regardless of the label, as long as the vehicle does not change ownership or is not deregistered. Additional restrictions may be introduced in the future, as the City Council will carry out annual audits to assess pollution levels.

Restrictions by Vehicle Type

First Year (30 November 2024 – 29 November 2025)
No penalties will be enforced. The following vehicles may access the Low Emission Zone in Málaga:

• Vehicles with a CERO, ECO, C or B label
• Unlabelled vehicles, whether registered in Málaga or not

Second Year (30 November 2025 – 29 November 2026)
Initial restrictions are introduced. Access prohibited for:

• Unlabelled vehicles not registered in Málaga

Access allowed for:

• Vehicles with a CERO, ECO, C or B label
• Unlabelled vehicles registered in Málaga

Third Year (From 30 November 2026 onwards)
Restrictions become stricter in the Low Emission Zone in Málaga. Access prohibited for:

• Unlabelled vehicles, unless registered in Málaga
• Vehicles with a B label not registered in Málaga

Access allowed for:

• Vehicles with a CERO, ECO or C label
• Vehicles with a B label or no label, registered in Málaga

Vehicles with a CERO, ECO or C label will have unrestricted access, encouraging the use of electric, hybrid and low-emission vehicles. It will not be necessary to display the physical label.

A Cleaner, Healthier Malaga

The introduction of the low emission zone is expected to significantly reduce harmful emissions: over 20% for particulate matter, nearly 20% for nitrogen oxides, and noticeable reductions in carbon monoxide and CO₂ levels.

The LEZ will also encourage a shift toward sustainable mobility, such as public transport, cycling, electric vehicles, and shared mobility services.

The low emission zone in Malaga represents a major step forward in building a greener, more livable city. Understanding and adapting to these changes is essential for everyone living in or visiting Malaga’s urban core. If you want to know more information, we leave you a link to the website of the Mobility Department of Malaga City Council.

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