Milieuzone
A milieuzone (environmental zone) is a low-emission zone where only certain kinds of vehicles are allowed. The Hague, Delft, and Rijswijk are among 15 municipalities in the Netherlands with this kind of zone. These areas aim to reduce air pollution. If you drive an old moped or motorbike, or a diesel car, van, truck, or coach, you may not be able to drive in certain parts of the city. Disobeying this rule can lead to a fine. Find out if, how, and where your vehicle may be affected.
Keeping the Air Clean
Why do these areas have a low-emission zone? Because certain vehicles produce a lot of harmful emissions. This air pollution is a major problem in cities in the Netherlands and around the world. Researchers estimate that air pollution takes 13 months off the life expectancy of the average person in the Netherlands. If you have cardiovascular problems or lung diseases, it can make your health much worse. Other vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, are also more affected by such pollution.
To improve the health of everyone, The Hague and other municipalities use low-emission zones to reduce how much 'fine particulate matter' is released into the air in densely populated areas.
Is My Vehicle Allowed in the Low-Emission Zone?
The zone in The Hague only affects some diesel vehicles and certain mopeds and motorised bikes. It includes the city centre area inside the Centrumring (S100) and the Professor B.M. Teldersweg (S200) – but some mopeds and motorbikes are not allowed in larger areas. These areas are marked with road signs. If you drive an ordinary petrol car or an electric vehicle, these limitations will not affect you.
Whether your vehicle is allowed to enter the zone depends on its age or 'emissions standard'. For example, vehicles that are allowed in the zone include diesel cars with an emissions standard of 4 or higher, local camper vans, motorhomes, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, among others. Even for affected vehicles, you may be able to apply for an exemption in certain circumstances. This means that for some specific reasons your vehicle may still be allowed in the zone. Check The Hague municipal website and read below to see what applies to your vehicle.
Mopeds and Motorised Bikes
Many types of older mopeds or scooters and motorbikes (brom and snorfietsen) are not allowed within a particular low-emission zone in The Hague. If your vehicle is registered after 1 January 2011 or is electric, you are allowed in the zone. If not, you should find out if your vehicle is affected. Check The Hague municipal website for a map of the zone and enter your number plate to see if your moped or bike is allowed there.
Diesel Cars, Trucks and Coaches
The low-emission zone in The Hague for diesel vehicles is slightly smaller than that for mopeds and motorised bikes. Only certain diesel vehicles are allowed in this zone, including cars and vans with an emissions standard of 4 or higher. Trucks or coaches must have a higher emissions standard of 6 to enter this zone. Check the municipality website about diesel cars or vans, trucks and coaches for a map of the zone, and enter your number plate to see if your moped or bike is permitted.
Zero-Emissions 2025
Does your private company deliver goods in The Hague? Take notice, as the rules are changing again soon and this might affect your vehicle(s).
To improve air quality even further, The Hague is introducing a zero-emissions policy for commercial vehicles. By 2030, only commercial trucks and vans without any exhaust gases will be allowed to enter the zero-emissions zone. This is the same as the current low-emission zone for diesel-powered trucks and buses. Depending on the emissions standard of your commercial vehicle, you may have to stop entering the zone sooner (2027 or 2028). Check the municipality page (available in Dutch) for more information.
Do you want to switch to a zero-emissions vehicle? Until 2025, you can receive a subsidy of up to €5000 from the government.
Delft and Rijswijk
Both Delft and Rijswijk also have separate low-emission zones, with slightly different conditions than those above. In Delft, only trucks over 3.5kg are restricted from the zone, unless they have an emissions standard of 6 or higher. Check the municipality site for a map and more information. Rijswijk has the same restriction, but the conditions and process for exemptions are slightly different. You can also visit their site for more on this. If you're not sure about the emissions standard of your truck, enter your number plate on the national milieuzones website to find out.
Learn more about The Hague’s other rules and regulations, including waste and recycling policies and social security requirements. And check out these handy tips by locals on everyday life in the region.
