Amsterdam low-emission zone (milieuzone)

Amsterdam's low-emission zone (milieuzone) covers the area inside the Ring A10 (the A10 itself is not in the zone). Excluded: the port areas (Coenhaven, Vlothaven, the quay opposite the Mercuriushaven, the western IJ bank in Amsterdam-Noord) and the access road to P+R RAI. The zone applies permanently; the official pages give no time window.

Since 1 January 2025, diesel passenger cars need emission class (Euro norm) 5 or higher. Diesel Euro 0–4 is banned, even with a particle filter, and so are diesel hybrids. Petrol, LPG, CNG, electric and hydrogen cars are always allowed: the zone only targets diesel.

National exemptions: diesel cars 40 years or older, vehicles registered with the RDW as wheelchair-accessible, and M1 campers of residents inside the zone.

Foreign cars must follow the same rules, but there is NO registration, NO sticker and NO fee: the driver must check the car's Euro norm. The online plate check works for Dutch plates only.

There is no day exemption for passenger cars: the 12 day exemptions per year apply only to diesel commercial vehicles of class 4.

Before you leave: 1) Check your car's fuel; petrol, LPG, CNG, electric and hydrogen are fine. 2) If it is a diesel, find the Euro norm in the vehicle registration certificate; Euro 5 or higher is allowed, Euro 4 or lower is banned in the zone. 3) Nothing needs to be bought or registered for a foreign car.

The online plate check works for Dutch plates only; with a foreign plate, read the norm yourself from the registration certificate. The official pages do not say how foreign plates are fined, so check the official website (amsterdam.nl, milieuzones.nl) before you travel.

Since no registration or sticker is required, be wary of paid websites or intermediaries offering one.

Alternative: leave the car outside the zone at P+R RAI (Europaplein, metro 51/52, tram 4) or P1 Johan Cruijff ArenA (metro 54/train) and continue by public transport. Or come by train.