The environmental badges have become the tool for classifying vehicles based on their environmental impact. This classification is designed to facilitate the identification of the most environmentally friendly vehicles, as well as to be integrated into municipal policies that seek to improve air quality and reduce pollution.

What are environmental badges?

The environmental badge is a label which classifies vehicles according to their energy efficiency and the polluting emissions they generate. This classification identifies the least polluting vehicles, especially in situations of high pollution in cities. In some cities, not having this badge restricts circulation on certain days of high pollution concentration, or directly prohibits driving the vehicle. In addition, this badge is a requirement to access certain benefits, such as certain tax advantages in terms of mobility.

How do you know if your vehicle needs an environmental badge?

You simply have to enter the license plate in the online search engine of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). By doing so, you will receive an immediate response indicating which label corresponds to your vehicle or, failing that, an explanation of why you are not entitled to one.

To check if your vehicle is eligible for an environmental badge, you have several options:

1. On the internet: You can access a complete file with the license plates and their corresponding badges through the DGT Statistical Portal.

2. From the miDGT app: This free mobile app allows you to check the identification number of your vehicles. It is available for both Android and iOS.

3. By phone, calling the number 060.

4. In person: At any Traffic Headquarters or Office, requesting an appointment (in this case, for individuals, since companies and legal entities must carry out their procedures electronically).

If your vehicle is eligible to receive a sticker, you can purchase the sticker at various authorized points of sale, such as: post offices, the network of workshops of the Spanish Confederation of Workshops (CETRAA) and other associated workshops, the Institute of Automotive Studies (IDEAUTO), tobacconists and administrative managers. It can also be acquired through associations such as Ganvam for vehicle fleets.

There are four categories of environmental badges, ranked from highest to lowest efficiency:

1. Zero Label (0 emissions, Blue): intended for the most efficient vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids with a range of 40 km or more, and fuel cell vehicles.

2. Label Echo (Green and Blue): mainly for hybrid and gas vehicles. Includes plug-in electric vehicles with less than 40 km of range, non-plug-in hybrids, and gas-powered vehicles.

3. Label C (Green): designed for internal combustion vehicles that comply with the latest EURO emissions regulations. This includes petrol passenger cars and light vans registered from 2006 onwards, and diesel vehicles from 2015 onwards.

4. Label B (Yellow): internal combustion vehicles that comply with previous regulations. Applies to gasoline-powered passenger cars and light vans registered since 2001 and diesel vehicles since 2006.

Where and how should the badge be placed?

Once purchased, the sticker must be placed on the lower right corner of front windshield. If it is a motorcycle or vehicle without a windshield, it must be placed in a visible place. If this is not clearly visible, even if your vehicle meets the requirements, you will not be able to circulate in certain areas, or your access will be restricted.

The consultation of the environmental label is a free service, but the issuance of the label has a cost of €5, which may increase with shipping costs and other concepts.

And how do environmental label regulations work in other countries?

If you plan to travel to another country in the European Union, you should inform yourself about local regulations., since the Spanish badge is not valid in other countries. You may need to obtain a specific badge to circulate in restricted areas. Foreign vehicles circulating in Spain must also carry the equivalent badge to avoid restrictions.

We can see how the environmental badge is not simply a label that classifies vehicles according to their energy efficiency; it is the tool to access mobility benefits and comply with traffic regulations in urban areas.

It is therefore important to be informed about how to obtain and use it, especially in urban environments with increasingly strict environmental policies aimed at future committed to long-term sustainability.