Malaga Low Emission Zone (ZBE): Complete Guide for Drivers (2026)

We live inside Malaga's ZBE, and we've seen friends get fined for driving to our flat. The Low Emission Zone has been active since November 2024, but fines only started in November 2025. Now, driving into central Malaga without the right vehicle can cost you €200.

Whether you're a tourist with a rental car, a resident with Spanish plates, or arriving with a foreign-registered vehicle, here's everything you need to know to avoid penalties.

What Is Malaga's Low Emission Zone?

A Low Emission Zone (Zona de Bajas Emisiones or ZBE in Spanish) restricts which vehicles can enter based on their emissions. Only vehicles meeting specific environmental standards are allowed in.

Malaga's ZBE covers 437 hectares of the city centre, including:

• The entire Historic Centre (Centro Historico)
• Soho district
• Ensanche neighbourhood
• The western seafront (Paseo Maritimo)
• Areas from the port to the Guadalmedina river

The zone is bounded by Paseo Maritimo Antonio Machado, Avenida de Andalucia, Avenida de Barcelona, Paseo de Martiricos, Alameda de Capuchinos, and Paseo Maritimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso.

Implementation Timeline

The DGT Sticker System Explained

Spain's Direccion General de Trafico (DGT) assigns environmental labels based on your vehicle's emissions. There are four sticker types:

About 30% of vehicles in Spain don't qualify for any sticker. These older vehicles are already banned from Malaga's ZBE.

Which Vehicles Can Enter Now (2026)?

Euro Standards by Fuel Type

For foreign vehicles or those without stickers, these are the minimum Euro standards required:

How to Get a DGT Sticker

If your vehicle qualifies, getting a sticker costs €5 and takes minutes:

Where to buy:

• Correos (Post Office): Any branch, bring vehicle registration and ID
• Online: Order at correos.es, delivered in 48 hours
• Authorised workshops: Many garages can issue them
• DGT offices: In person with documentation

Place it on the lower-right corner of your windshield, clearly visible from outside.

Fines and Enforcement

How It Works

Over 50 ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras monitor entry points around the clock. When you enter the ZBE, cameras check your plate against the DGT database.

Entry points are marked with blue and red signs showing camera surveillance and emissions restrictions. Digital displays on major roads like Avenida de Martiricos provide real-time warnings.

Fine Amounts

The council estimates about 1% of daily vehicles will be fined, generating around €11.67 million annually in penalties.

How to Appeal a Fine

If you believe a fine was issued in error:

1. Check the date: During the grace period (before November 2025), fines shouldn't have been issued
2. Verify your sticker status: If your car qualifies but you hadn't displayed the sticker, attach proof of eligibility
3. Submit appeal online: Through Sede Electronica Malaga within 20 calendar days
4. Access options: Cl@ve system, Digital Certificate, or DNIe (electronic ID card)

Exemptions: Who Can Enter Without Restrictions?

Malaga Residents

If you're registered (empadronado) at an address inside the ZBE, you can register your vehicle for unrestricted access, even if it doesn't meet emissions standards.

To register your car:

1. Visit Sede Electronica Malaga
2. Navigate to: Tramites → Movilidad → Zona de Bajas Emisiones
3. Submit your vehicle registration and proof of residence

Once registered, cameras will recognise your plate automatically.

Other Exemptions

Medical Appointments

Accessing the ZBE for a medical appointment with a restricted vehicle is not automatic. You must request a temporary permit from the Ayuntamiento in advance.

Rental Cars and Tourists

Will My Rental Car Be Allowed?

Yes, almost certainly.

Major rental companies in Malaga provide newer vehicles that qualify for C, ECO, or CERO stickers. However, the sticker isn't always displayed.

Before you book:

• Ask for the vehicle's emissions label or Euro standard
• Request a hybrid or electric if your hotel is inside the ZBE
• Mention your accommodation location when booking

At pickup:

• Check the windshield for a DGT sticker
• Confirm the vehicle meets at least Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) standards
• Take a photo of the sticker for your records

Foreign-Registered Vehicles

Foreign vehicles cannot obtain Spanish DGT stickers but must still comply with the same emission standards.

Key points:

• Your vehicle must meet the equivalent Euro standards
• Some cities recognise foreign stickers (France's Crit'Air, Germany's Umweltplakette), but this isn't guaranteed in Malaga
• Check with your vehicle manufacturer if unsure about your Euro classification

Where to Park Instead

If your vehicle isn't ZBE-compliant, park outside the zone and use public transport:

Free parking outside the ZBE:

• Areas along Avenida de Andalucia
• Residential streets in El Palo and Pedregalejo

Then travel in via:

• Metro: Lines 1 and 2 serve the centre
• Bus: EMT routes cover the entire city
• Electric scooter: Rental scooters available citywide
• Bicycle: Malaga has dedicated cycle lanes

For detailed parking information, see our Malaga parking guide.

Other ZBEs in Malaga Province

Malaga city isn't the only ZBE in the region. These Costa del Sol towns have also implemented Low Emission Zones:

Each town sets its own rules and timelines, so check local regulations before driving into their centres.