Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
A low emission zone is an urban area where older, more polluting vehicles are restricted, charged or banned to improve air quality.
What is Low Emission Zone (LEZ)?
Access is usually based on the car’s Euro emission standard or fuel type. Many zones use stickers, number plate cameras or online registration. Rules and schemes differ between countries and even between cities. Germany uses Umweltzonen with a coloured sticker, France uses Crit’Air stickers, and many Italian cities restrict access with ZTL zones.
How it works
Cameras or checks identify vehicles that do not meet the zone’s emission rules, and the owner is fined or charged.
Why it matters for your car
Foreign-registered cars often have to register or buy a sticker before entering. Check the rules for each city on your route before you travel.
Other terms
- A/C Pressure Switch (Pressure Sensor)
- Anti-roll Bar Link (Drop Link)
- Battery Management System (BMS)
- Brake Judder (Brake Vibration)
- Cell Balancing
- Charge Point Operator (CPO)
- Driving Range
- Flex-Fuel Vehicle (E85)
- Headlight Condensation (Moisture In Headlights)
- Hesitation (Flat Spot On Acceleration)
- Locking Differential (Diff Lock)
- Rinseless Wash
- Scan Tool (Diagnostic Tool)
- Shift Solenoid
- Synchromesh (Synchroniser)
- Torsion Beam Rear Axle (Twist Beam)
- Tread Wear Pattern
- Voltage Regulator
- Wheel Arch Rust
- Wheel Cleaner