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Apply for an exemption to access to a low emission zone

A milieuzone (low emission zone) is an area in a city where certain road vehicles are not allowed due to the level of pollution they emit. For example, diesel cars and lorry trucks. Are you unable to drive your vehicle in a low emission zone in the Netherlands because it doesn’t meet the emissions standards? You may be eligible for an exemption from the municipality.

There are 15 low emission zones in the Netherlands. For example, diesel cars and lorry trucks. There are also low emission zones for mopeds and motorbikes in Den Haag (The Hague) and Amsterdam.

On the milieuzones.nl website you can find out whether your vehicle is allowed in a low emission zone (in Dutch). 

You can find out whether your vehicle is eligible for an exemption on the milieuzones.nl website (in Dutch). Does your vehicle meet the conditions? Then apply for the exemption from the municipality. 

This is how it works for you

Your (future) place of residence falls under:
Informatie:

Here is some information from your municipality.

Low-emission zone for diesel cars, diesel trucks and diesel buses

Diesel passenger cars

The municipality has a milieuzone (low-emission zone) for diesel passenger cars. Diesel passenger cars may only enter the low-emission zone if they are of emission class 4 or higher. This also applies to cars with foreign number plates .

Lorries and vans (diesel trucks and diesel buses)

The municipality has a low-emission zone for lorries and vans. Lorries, trucks and vans may enter the low-emission zone only if they are of emission class 6 or higher. This also applies to vehicles with foreign number plates.

Where?

Find out where the low-emission zone applies

Automatic waiver

Some diesel cars have an automatic waiver and are allowed to enter the environmental zone. You don't have to do anything for this. The following diesel cars automatically have an automatic waiver:

  • Diesel ‘classic cars’ which are 40 years old and older.
  • Old diesel camper vans whose owners live in the low-emission zone.
  • Diesel vehicles which can transport wheelchairs (wheelchair accessible vehicles). You can recognise these vehicles in the number plate registry by the bodywork code 'SH'. Or codes 145, 146, 147 of 149.
  • Certain categories of special trucks, such as concrete mixers, street sweepers, sewerage trucks and the like. For more information, see: Environmental zones for special vehicles (in Dutch)

Exemption

In some cases you can apply for an exemption so that you can access the low-emission zone.

The municipality has different types of exemption:

  • day exemption;
  • exemption for medical reasons (modified vehicles);
  • exemption due to financial situation (continuity of a company);
  • exemption due to delivery time of another car (clean vehicle);
  • exemption in special situations.

  • Day exemption:
    You will immediately receive a message from the municipality with your exemption.
  • All other exemptions:
    You will hear within 8 weeks whether you will be granted the exemption. In MijnDenHaag, under MijnZaken, you can see the status of your application.

Questions about this topic?

Contact the Municipality of The Hague

Last updated on 26 September 2022