The Netherlands updates zero-emission zone rules in 2026 with nationwide exemptions, new traffic signs, and extended relief periods. The country continues its sustainable transport leadership while maintaining its unique speed limit structure.
Environmental Zones
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Per-city exemptions
Exemptions from zero-emission zones valid only in the issuing municipality
After (2026)
Nationwide validity
ZEZ exemptions automatically valid across all Dutch municipalities; apply once, valid everywhere
Good news for businesses: if you get an exemption for your delivery van in Amsterdam, it now works in Rotterdam, Utrecht, and all other Dutch ZEZ cities. You only need to apply once under the new rules.
Environmental Zones
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Short exemption periods
Limited time exemptions for vehicles without zero-emission alternatives
After (2026)
Up to 13 years exemption
Extended exemptions of 7, 10, or 13 years depending on vehicle category, plus new exemption for areas with grid capacity issues
If there's no zero-emission version of your vehicle type available, you can get exemptions lasting up to 13 years depending on the category. There's also a new exemption if you can't charge due to electricity grid problems in your area.
Environmental Zones
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Initial ZEZ cities
Zero-emission zones in early-adopter cities only
After (2026)
29 municipalities including Schiphol
Zero-emission zones in 29 municipalities by 2030: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Groningen, and 23 others including Schiphol Airport
The Netherlands is rolling out zero-emission zones in 29 municipalities by 2030. Schiphol Airport became a ZEZ on January 1, 2026. These zones primarily affect commercial vehicles (trucks, vans, buses) - personal cars aren't yet restricted in most zones.
Environmental Zones
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Various local signs
Different municipalities used different signage for ZEZ and environmental zones
After (2026)
Standardized two-part sign
New national sign with upper section showing zone entry and lower section showing excluded vehicle types; all old signs replaced by July 2026
Look for the new standardized ZEZ signs from 2026. The top part shows you're entering a restricted zone, and the bottom part shows which vehicles aren't allowed. All municipalities must switch to this format by July 2026.
Speed Limits
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
100 km/h daytime (since 2020)
Temporary daytime speed reduction introduced in 2020
After (2026)
100 km/h permanent daytime
Daytime (6am-7pm) motorway limit of 100 km/h confirmed as permanent; 130 km/h at night on some sections
The 100 km/h daytime limit that started in 2020 is now permanent Dutch law. At night (7pm-6am), some sections allow 130 km/h. Always check the signs - they're electronic and can change.
Not anymore. From January 2026, zero-emission zone exemptions are automatically valid nationwide. Apply for an exemption once and it works in all Dutch municipalities. Existing exemptions can be extended free of charge with nationwide validity.
New standardized two-part signs replace the old municipal signs. The upper section shows you're entering a restricted zone, while the lower section specifies which vehicle categories are excluded. All municipalities must complete the sign replacement by July 2026.
Yes. The 100 km/h daytime limit (6am-7pm) introduced in 2020 is now permanent legislation. At night (7pm-6am), many motorway sections allow 130 km/h, but always check the electronic signs as limits can vary.
By 2030, 29 Dutch municipalities will have zero-emission zones including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Groningen, Maastricht, and Schiphol Airport (which became a ZEZ on January 1, 2026). Currently these zones primarily affect commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, vans) - personal cars aren't yet restricted in most zones.
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: January 15, 2026
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