The New 2023 Spanish Environmental Rule and Eco-Stickers

If you are driving in Spain, you should know about the new Environmental Rule that came into effect in January 2023. The El Distintivo Ambiental DGT (DGT Environmental Badge) in Spanish is a mandatory eco-sticker that all-electric cars and modern combustion vehicles in Spain must have, thus classifying its emission rating.

However, only a little has been publicized about the new rule, and you could face a fine if you don't comply. In this post, we have compiled everything you need to know about eco-stickers and which cars/light vans require one.

What Are Eco-Stickers?

Eco-stickers are stickers that passenger cars and vans must display on their windshields in a visible location. The DGT eco-sticker indicates your car's emissions level (in terms of CO2) and fuel type. Based on Euro emission standards, it classifies vehicles into four categories: 0, C, B, and ECO.

Eco-stickers are meant to encourage using vehicles with low emissions while restricting access to high-emission zones. All new electric cars and vehicles registered in Spain must display a valid eco-sticker and be placed in the windshields. Those without may be fined up to €200 by (Dirección General de Tráfico), depending on city/ area and low emission zones.

Low-emissions vehicles are known to be more efficient and generate fewer pollutants, improving air quality in polluted cities.

Eco-Sticker Spain

Four main categories differ based on your car's energy efficiency, ranging from zero emissions to B.

• The ZERO EMISSION eco-sticker is for the most efficient 100% electric cars (Blue Sticker), including efficient vehicles - BEV, REEV, PHEV (40km range), and fuel cell.
• ECO is for hybrid electric cars (Green and Blue Stickers). Eco sticker on hybrid passenger cars and vehicles, including plug-in hybrids with a range of less than 40 km, non-plug-in hybrids (HEV), natural gas vehicles, gas (CNG and LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles.
• C is for gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles/ vans registered from January 2006 that meet Euro 4 (The Green Sticker). The green "C" sticker is for light vehicles registered after 2001, heavy vehicles made after 2014, and those with more than 8 seats. Petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4.5 and 6 standards, while diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6.
• B is for gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles that meet Euro 3. Yellow "B" sticker for vehicles, cars, and light vans registered from January 2000 (petrol), January 2006 (diesel cars and light vans with more than 8 seats), or 2005 (heavy vehicles). Petrol vehicles must comply with Euro 3, and diesel with Euro 4 and 5.

To Obtain An Eco-Sticker In Spain

A sticker can be obtained online, at post offices, vehicle inspection centers, and authorized collaborating entities. The sticker costs from €5 to €20, depending on the classification of your car emissions. Vehicles with zero emissions and electric vehicles are exempt from the payment of the eco-sticker.

The eco sticker is valid for five years from its issue date. The new owners must acquire a new sticker if the vehicle changes ownership. To obtain an eco-sticker, vehicle owners must provide their registration document (DGT) and Environmental Certificate (CEDA).

Only vehicles that comply with Euro 4 or with lower/low emission must have it. The Environmental Certificate (CEDA) indicates the type of emission and level your vehicle has, and you can check if your vehicle does comply with the new regulation.

Categories For Combustion Vehicles And Electric Cars

Combustion vehicles are based on the fuel type; electric cars are classified by their power supply systems.

The following factors classify combustion and diesel vehicles:

• Euro 5 is the first category for combustion vehicles. You must display an emissions sticker for cars in this category to be eligible for tax exemptions and other incentives.
• Euro 6 is for gasoline and diesel cars.
• Euro 6D-temp category, applying to vans and diesel cars.
• The Euro 6C category is solely for petrol vehicles.
• The fifth category for combustion vehicle emissions is Euro 7.

Electric cars are classified by powertrain type, either battery-electric or plug-in hybrid. They must meet the Euro 6d-Temp emissions standard to qualify for incentives.

Combustion vehicles must meet one of four Euro standards, but only the Euro 6d-Temp applies to electric cars. Understanding the Euro emissions standards is helpful for any car owner or driver, as it can help them decide which type of vehicle they should buy and keep their car up-to-date with the latest environmental regulations.

Conclusion

Implementing eco stickers and knowing about the Emissions Categories is just one step to preserving the environment in towns and cities. Getting an eco-sticker is a simple process and will help you play your part in protecting the environment.

For more information on how to comply with the new environmental rule, low emission zones, insurance for cars and light vans, passenger cars and bikes, and 100% electric and hybrid electric vehicles, contact Abbeygate Insurance, Spain's leading Insurance provider.