Updated: August 2026
If you’re going to drive around Mallorca and plan to enter Palma, it’s worth understanding how the Palma Low Emission Zone, also known as the ZBE (Zona de Bajas Emisiones), works. Since it came into force, certain vehicles have had restricted access to the centre, with number plates monitored by cameras.
The good news for anyone visiting Mallorca with a modern rental car is that current regulations allow vehicles with B, C, ECO and 0-emissions labels to enter. Even so, you need to clearly distinguish between the LEZ and the ACIRE zones in the old town, because they don’t work the same way.
In this guide we explain where Palma’s LEZ is, which vehicles can enter in 2026, what will change in 2027, how it works with a rental car, and what you need to know to avoid a fine.
What is Palma’s Low Emission Zone?
The LEZ is an area of Palma where there are restrictions on access, driving and parking depending on the vehicle’s emissions.
Its aim is to reduce pollution and improve air quality, and it’s part of the measures stemming from Law 7/2021 on Climate Change and Energy Transition.
The LEZ in Palma’s centre came into force on 22 December 2024 and mainly affects the historic centre within the perimeter formed by the Avenidas and the seafront.
For a visitor, the important thing isn’t memorising every street that forms the boundary, but recognising the access signs and checking beforehand whether the car you’re driving can enter.
Where is Palma’s LEZ located?
The Low Emission Zone covers the inner area mainly bounded by the Avenidas of Palma and the seafront.
Its boundaries include Passeig Mallorca, Avinguda Portugal, Avinguda d’Alemanya, Plaça d’Espanya, Alexandre Rosselló, Gabriel Alomar and the area around Avinguda Gabriel Roca. The municipal project estimates an area of around 130.9 hectares.
In practice, if you’re driving towards the historic centre, you need to watch out for LEZ signage before entering.
It’s not advisable to rely solely on GPS. The navigation system might suggest a street that crosses a restricted zone, and ultimate responsibility for following the signage remains with the driver.
Which cars can enter Palma’s LEZ in 2026?
This is probably the most important question.
Until 31 December 2026, the following can generally enter:
- vehicles with a B label;
- vehicles with a C label;
- ECO vehicles;
- zero-emissions vehicles.
Cars without an environmental label cannot enter unless they fall under an exception or hold a specific authorisation.
As a rough guide, petrol cars registered before 2001 and diesel cars before 2006 tend to be left without a label.
What will happen from 2027?
This deserves special attention, as the regulation is due to change quite soon.
Between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2029, vehicles with a B label will become restricted. C, ECO and 0 vehicles will still be able to enter.
And from 2030, municipal planning also establishes a general restriction on C vehicles, leaving ECO and 0 as the admitted categories.
So if you’re reading this guide to plan a future trip, always check which phase is in effect on your travel dates.
Do I need to display the environmental sticker?
In Palma, it isn’t mandatory to physically display the environmental label for cameras to recognise a vehicle registered in Spain.
The system reads the number plate and directly checks the associated environmental classification in the DGT database.
That means not displaying the sticker on your windscreen doesn’t by itself mean an authorised Spanish vehicle can’t enter.
What matters is the environmental classification registered for the vehicle.
Palma’s LEZ and rental cars: can I enter?
If you’re visiting Mallorca with a rental vehicle, this is the part that matters most to you.
Spanish rental cars tend to be relatively modern vehicles and, therefore, usually have an environmental classification compatible with the current LEZ phase. PalmaParking and Mallorca.com also note that modern rental fleets tend to use vehicles with a C label or higher.
Even so, we recommend confirming the vehicle’s environmental category if you have any doubts.
At Autos Mallorca you can also choose hybrid car hire in Mallorca, a particularly interesting option if you’re going to drive around Palma frequently.
And remember that being able to enter a LEZ doesn’t mean you can drive down any street in the historic centre.
LEZ and ACIRE are not the same thing
This is probably the mistake most worth avoiding.
Within Palma’s centre there are also Restricted Traffic Areas (ACIRE).
ACIRE zones have their own rules and require specific authorisation. Having a car with a C, ECO or 0 label and being able to drive within the LEZ doesn’t automatically give you the right to enter an ACIRE.
That’s why our recommendation when visiting the historic centre is simple: don’t try to drive right up to the door of every monument.
Park in an allowed spot and continue on foot. Palma’s centre is much more enjoyable that way, and you avoid accidentally entering a restricted-access street.
Can you enter a public car park inside the LEZ?
Yes, and this point can be especially useful.
The city council provides specific access routes to certain public car parks located within the LEZ. In these cases you don’t need to request authorisation to reach the car park, as long as you use the indicated entry and exit routes.
It’s important to follow the signage and not stray onto restricted streets afterwards.
You should also distinguish between:
- LEZ restrictions;
- ACIRE zones;
- regulated ORA parking;
- specific signage on each street.
Being able to enter Palma doesn’t mean you can park for free anywhere.
What about cars with foreign number plates?
The situation is different if you’ve arrived in Mallorca with your own car registered outside Spain.
Foreign vehicles don’t automatically appear classified in the DGT’s environmental database. Currently they can enter if they meet the required environmental equivalences, but they must request temporary authorisation in advance.
The city council states that registration must be done at least five calendar days before the intended access date.
Until 31 December 2026, for example, certain petrol cars EURO 3 or higher and diesel EURO 4 or higher may meet the requirements, along with various alternative-energy vehicles.
If you’re coming with a foreign number plate, I’d always check Mobilitat’s official conditions before travelling, since this regulation has recently seen changes.
What’s the fine for entering Palma’s LEZ improperly?
Breaching the LEZ’s access, driving or parking restrictions is considered a serious offence.
The set fine is 200 euros.
The ordinance also provides for increases for repeat offences.
Entries are monitored by cameras and automatic number plate reading, so you shouldn’t assume you can quickly cross the zone without being detected.
If you take a wrong turn, follow the signage to exit safely; never carry out dangerous manoeuvres just to try to avoid a camera.
Tips for driving around Palma with a rental car
From our experience, there are several simple things that make a visit to Palma by car much more comfortable.
First, plan where you’re going to park before reaching the centre. Setting the car park as your destination on the navigator is usually more practical than entering the Cathedral, Plaça Major or a street in the historic centre directly.
Second, pay attention to the signs. The LEZ, the ACIRE zones and parking regulations are different systems.
Third, if you’re going to spend the whole day in central Palma, you don’t need to use the car between visits. Leave it parked and continue on foot.
And if you’ve just landed, you can check our guide on how to get around when arriving at Palma airport before planning your first trips.
Renting a car in Mallorca and getting around Palma hassle-free
The LEZ doesn’t mean it no longer makes sense to hire a car in Mallorca.
Outside Palma’s centre, having a vehicle remains one of the most comfortable ways to discover beaches, villages, the Serra de Tramuntana and the island’s interior.
The key is simply knowing the rules when you enter the capital.
Besides checking the environmental classification, when comparing rental companies we recommend reviewing the excess, card holds, mileage and fuel policy.
At Autos Mallorca we offer car hire in Mallorca with no excess, with unlimited mileage, a full-to-full fuel policy and no pre-authorisation holds on your balance.
That way you can use the car to explore the island and organise your visits to Palma knowing exactly what your rental includes from the start.
You can also check our car rental guide in Mallorca before your trip.
Frequently asked questions about Palma’s Low Emission Zone
Can I enter Palma with a B label in 2026?
Yes. During 2026, B vehicles can enter Palma’s LEZ. The general restriction for this category begins on 1 January 2027.
Can I enter with a C-labelled car?
Yes. In the phase in effect during 2026, C vehicles can drive within the LEZ.
Do I need to display the environmental sticker?
It isn’t necessary to physically display the sticker on Spanish vehicles. Cameras identify the number plate and check its classification with the DGT.
Can a rental car enter the LEZ?
In general, modern rental cars carry a label compatible with the current phase. If in doubt, confirm the vehicle’s environmental classification before entering.
Can I enter an ACIRE zone if my car has an ECO label?
Not necessarily. ACIRE zones have their own restrictions and require authorisation regardless of whether the vehicle can drive within the LEZ.
How much is the LEZ fine?
Breaching the restrictions is punished with a fine of 200 euros.
Palma’s LEZ: know the rules and enjoy the city
Palma’s Low Emission Zone can seem complicated the first time you look at the map, but for a visitor the main idea is simple.
In 2026, cars with a B, C, ECO or 0 label can enter; vehicles without a label have restricted access except for exceptions; and ACIRE zones still have their own rules.
Before heading to the historic centre, check your vehicle’s classification, decide where you’re going to park, and pay attention to the signage.
And for the rest of your trip, you can hire your car in Mallorca with Autos Mallorca and explore the island at your own pace with unlimited mileage and fully comprehensive insurance with no excess.
