2025 zero-emission urban logistics
To improve the liveability and shopping and residential climate in the city and to reduce disturbances, 29 municipalities are designating an area where no harmful substances are emitted. This is called a zero-emission zone (ZE-zone). From January 1, 2025, delivery vans and trucks in the ZE-zone must be emission-free. Certain vehicle categories will have a transitional arrangement until 2030, and there are exemptions and waivers available for some vehicles. Below, we have answered some questions that may come to your mind.
FAQ
What is the zero-emission zone?
The zero-emission zone is an urban area where polluting delivery vans and trucks, i.e., those running on fossil fuels like gas, gasoline, or diesel, are not allowed to operate. Municipalities aim to reduce fine particles and CO2 emissions in cities with this measure. The zero-emission zone in Maastricht covers the city centre and Wyck, excluding the ring roads on the west side.
When does the zero-emission zone come into effect?
The zero-emission zone will take effect on January 1, 2025, for various delivery vans and trucks. From January 1, 2030, all delivery vans and trucks must be emission-free. There is a transitional arrangement in place until then.
I am a student at the university, what does this mean for me?
If you are a student moving to or from Maastricht after January 1, 2025, you may want to use a delivery vehicle. Starting next year, these will no longer be allowed in the Zero-emission zone. If you are using a family member’s or friend’s delivery van, you can refer to the license plate check: https://kentekencheck.opwegnaarzes.nl/. This allows you to apply for a day permit or use a vehicle with an emission class that is permitted
These new rules may also impact event organization (logistics access for suppliers and/or visitors) and organized bus trips (rental bus companies).
I work at the university, what does this mean for me?
If you work at the university and use a vehicle with a commercial license plate (a yellow plate with the starting letter B or V), you may not be able to bring that vehicle into the city centre after January 1, 2025. Not sure if your vehicle is still allowed in the ZE-zone? Check the license plate at: https://www.maastrichtbereikbaar.nl/nieuws/mag-jouw-bestel-vrachtwagen-de-zero-emissiezones-check-het-kenteken
Regular suppliers of the UM have been informed about the new rules. If you are partnering with a new service provider that uses a delivery van, inform them about the ZE-zone by referring to: https://www.maastrichtbereikbaar.nl/waar-werken-wij-aan/zero-emissie-stadslogistiek
If you have a delivery van used solely for private purposes, you can apply for a permanent exemption if the vehicle is not exempted. The ZE-zone applies only to vehicles used for professional purposes. These rules also apply to foreign license plates; for more information, see: https://www.opwegnaarzes.nl/buitenlandse-voertuigen
Which vehicles are no longer allowed in the zero-emission zone?
For a detailed overview of which vehicles are no longer allowed to drive in the zero-emission zone, see: https://www.maastrichtbereikbaar.nl/waar-werken-wij-aan/zero-emissie-stadslogistiek/regels-rondom-zes
I have a passenger car running on fossil fuel, what about that?
The ZE-zone only applies to delivery vans and trucks. You can still enter the zone with your passenger car. If you have a delivery vehicle that is not allowed in the Zero-emission zone but use it solely for private purposes, you can apply for a permanent exemption. The ZE-zone applies only to vehicles used for professional purposes.
How do I know if my vehicle is not allowed in the ZE-zone?
You can check this yourself via the license plate check: https://www.maastrichtbereikbaar.nl/nieuws/mag-jouw-bestel-vrachtwagen-de-zero-emissiezones-check-het-kenteken
If you rent a delivery or freight vehicle, it's always advisable to check with the rental company.
These rules also apply to foreign license plates, as outlined in the following questions:
- How is the zero-emission zone enforced?
- When can foreign trucks and delivery vehicles be registered with cameras?
Am I eligible for an exemption or waiver and how do I apply for one?
You can apply for up to 12 day-waivers per municipality, per vehicle, per calendar year for both delivery and freight vehicles. The day-waiver will be granted for one calendar day, starting at 00:00 and ending at 06:00 the following day.
If you have a vehicle not allowed in the Zero-emission zone but use it solely for private purposes, you can apply for a permanent exemption. The ZE-zone only applies to vehicles used for professional purposes.
An exemption can be applied for via the RDW.
What happens if I drive a vehicle that is not exempt in the ZE-zone?
The municipality of Maastricht will check license plates on access roads using ANPR cameras and municipal enforcers. If you are in violation, you risk a fine if you do not have a waiver. The amount of the fine has not been determined yet. The locations of the ANPR cameras are indicated with green triangles on the map below.
