Palma confirms major car ban from January as 167,000 vehicles face new restrictions

Thousands of drivers in Mallorca face new restrictions when Palma’s Low Emission Zone (ZBE) enters its second phase on January 1, 2027.

The next stage will prevent vehicles carrying the B environmental label from entering the central zone, meaning up to 167,191 vehicles registered in Palma could be affected.

The restrictions form part of the city’s long-term plan to reduce traffic pollution and improve air quality in the capital.

Which cars will be affected?

From January, petrol cars and light vans registered between January 2001 and August 2006 will be affected by the new restrictions.

For diesel vehicles, the ban applies to cars and light vans registered between 2006 and September 2015.

According to traffic data, 74,916 vehicles with a B label were registered in Palma last year. A further 92,275 vehicles had no environmental label.

This means the number of vehicles registered in the capital that will no longer be able to enter the ZBE could reach 167,191.

However, the figure does not include vehicles registered elsewhere in Mallorca which are also potentially affected when travelling into central Palma.

Where does the restriction apply?

Palma’s ZBE covers the city centre inside the Avingudes and the seafront.

The area includes the streets and roads within the ring formed by the Avingudes, extending around central Palma and the historic heart of the city.

The scheme has already been operating in its first phase, with vehicles without an environmental label facing restrictions.

From January 1, 2027, the rules become considerably tighter, with only vehicles carrying C, ECO or 0 environmental labels generally permitted to enter.

The restrictions will remain in place until December 31, 2029.

From January 1, 2030, the rules are due to become stricter again, with only ECO and 0-emission vehicles generally allowed into the zone, so drivers in Spain should bear this in mind for the future.

There are important exceptions

Not every older vehicle will automatically be excluded.

Drivers whose vehicles do not have an environmental label may still be able to enter if they are registered residents living within the ZBE.

Exceptions also cover people who own or rent a parking space, home or business premises inside the restricted area, as well as certain businesses operating within the zone.

Vehicles transporting people with reduced mobility can also qualify for access.

Other authorised categories include certain goods vehicles, public transport, taxis, VTC vehicles, vehicles visiting healthcare facilities and vehicles belonging to hotel guests staying inside the ZBE.

Access is also available in certain circumstances for drivers using public underground car parks within the zone.

What about British and other foreign-registered cars?

The rules are particularly relevant to Mallorca’s large international community.

Since March 2026, vehicles carrying foreign number plates can be registered for access to Palma’s ZBE, provided they meet the required environmental standards.

Owners must register their vehicle with the municipal system before using it within the restricted area.

This is especially important for British residents and other foreign nationals who have brought vehicles to Mallorca, as environmental classifications used in Spain need to be matched with the vehicle’s registration details.

Palma’s ZBE officially came into force in December 2024 as part of Spain’s legal requirement for cities to establish low-emission zones designed to cut vehicle pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Drivers heading into central Palma with an older car therefore have just months to check their vehicle’s status and determine whether they qualify for an exemption before the second phase begins on January 1.