Driving to the Netherlands or Belgium? These Rules Could Bring a Heavy Fine

Summer drivers heading to the Netherlands or Belgium could face more than a fine if they fail to check their vehicle’s emissions class before leaving. Several cities restrict older diesel cars from environmental zones, and Amsterdam may prevent a non-compliant vehicle from continuing its journey.

The restrictions apply in cities including Amsterdam, Arnhem, The Hague and Utrecht. According to Germany’s ADAC automobile club, some environmental zones in these cities exclude diesel vehicles in emissions classes Euro 0 through Euro 4. The rules operate around the clock, every day of the week, rather than only during certain hours.

Drivers can use the vehicle’s first registration year as a rough guide. Euro 0 generally covers cars registered before 1993, while Euro 1 usually includes vehicles registered from 1993 to 1996. Euro 2 generally applies to cars registered from 1996 to 2000, Euro 3 to those registered from 2000 to 2005, and Euro 4 typically covers vehicles registered from 2005 to 2009.

The registration year is not always enough to establish a vehicle’s exact classification. The safest check is the emissions category listed in the vehicle’s official documents.

Older diesel owners do not necessarily have to abandon trips to Dutch cities. Park-and-Ride sites outside restricted zones allow drivers to leave their cars on the outskirts and continue by bus or train. The same approach can also help avoid congestion and high central parking costs, including for vehicles that meet the rules. Belgium operates a similar system, with restrictions in Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent.