Dutch cities to fine fossil fuel vans entering emission-free zones starting July

Starting July 1, several Dutch municipalities will begin enforcing fines for delivery vans and trucks that enter emission-free zones without authorization. Until now, only warnings were issued during a transition period that began January 1, according to Op weg naar ZES (Zero Emission Urban Logistics), an initiative involving the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

The measure applies in Amersfoort, Amsterdam, The Hague, Gouda, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht, and Zwolle. It targets vehicles running on fossil fuels; passenger cars are exempt. From July, entrepreneurs and private individuals driving non-compliant delivery vans or trucks into these zones risk fines.

All delivery vans and trucks registered in 2025 must be emission-free to enter these zones. Vehicles powered by fossil fuels registered before 2025 are allowed limited access during a transitional period.

Exemptions may be granted in certain cases, such as when a vehicle is never used for business purposes or has been modified for a disability. Specific exemption criteria and procedures differ across municipalities.