A milieuzone (low-emission zone) is a defined part of a city that vehicles with too low an emission class may not enter. For passenger cars, there are diesel low-emission zones in four cities in 2026:
| City | Banned (diesel passenger car) |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam | Euro 4 and lower |
| Utrecht | Euro 4 and lower |
| Arnhem | Euro 4 and lower (since 1 June 2026) |
| The Hague (Den Haag) | Euro 3 and lower |
If you drive into a zone anyway, the fine is €130 (since 26 November 2025). A new traffic sign has been in use since 1 January 2026. Source: milieuzones.nl.
Why it matters when buying or selling
- Buyer: if you live or work in one of these cities, check before buying whether a diesel is allowed in. A cheap old diesel is less useful if you cannot drive it into your own city.
- Seller: an older diesel that is barred from low-emission zones appeals to fewer buyers. Take that into account in your asking price.
- Petrol: the passenger-car zones only apply to diesels.
Check any car with the low-emission zone check.