Zero-emission zone

As of 1 January 2025 there will be a zero-emission zone in the city centre. As of this date new delivery vans and trucks driving into this zone must be emission-free (non-polluting). This means only vehicles powered by electricity or hydrogen.

For older delivery vans and trucks a national transitional scheme will be in place until 2030 and the zero-emission zone will be introduced in phases.

The Hague is 1 of 28 cities in the Netherlands which will introduce a zero-emission zone between 2025 and 2028. Exhaust fumes from delivery vans and trucks pollute the air and contain too high CO2 emissions. This is bad for our health, nature and the climate. To keep the quality of life and health in the city, the air quality needs to improve.

Where is the zero-emission zone in the centre?

The boundaries of the zero-emission zone in the city centre will be the same as for the current low-emission zone for diesel cars. Look at where the Begin external link: zero-emission zone in the city centre(External link), end external link. is located.

The zero-emission zone will be located within the Centrumring (S100) and the Professor B.M. Teldersweg (S200). The Centrumring and the Professor B.M. Teldersweg will not fall within the zone.

What kind of vehicles does the zero-emission zone in the centre apply to?

The zero-emission zone in the city centre applies to delivery vans and trucks for commercial use. These vehicles are used by businesses for delivery and servicing (city logistics). This means picking-up and delivering goods. For example:

• to supply shops and catering facilities
• to transport materials to building sites
• to deliver parcels
• to do maintenance work in homes (such as plumbers)

Are you allowed to enter the zero-emission zone?

Check whether and until when your vehicle is permitted to drive in the zero-emission zone. Check your number plate on Begin external link: www.logistiek070.com(External link), end external link..

Transitional scheme for existing delivery vans and trucks

Certain delivery vans and trucks (which were purchased earlier) are allowed to drive in the zero-emission zone for a longer time. This falls under in a national transitional scheme for all zero-emission zones in the Netherlands. How much longer depends on the age and the emissions standard of your car. The emissions standard is a rating which indicates how low your vehicle’s emissions are. The higher the rating, the lower the emissions. You can find the emissions standard of your car on the Begin external link: website of the RDW(External link), end external link. under the tab ‘Motor & Milieu’, under ‘Uitstoot’.

Existing delivery vans (registered before 1 January 2025)

• Euro 5 delivery vans are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2027.
• Euro 6 delivery vans are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2028.

Existing trucks (registered before 1 January 2025)

• Euro 6 trucks (box trucks or tipper trucks) (no more than 5 years old on 1 January 2025) are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2030.
• Euro 6 trucks (box trucks or tipper trucks) (between 5 and 8 years old on 1 January 2025) are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2028.
• Euro 6 trucks (semi-trailer trucks) (no more than 8 years old on 1 January 2025) are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2030.

The transitional scheme will end as of 1 January 2030. All trucks and delivery vans must then be completely emission-free.

Expansion of zero-emission zone to coast

As of 1 January 2026 the zero-emission zone will be expanded to The Hague’s coastline. The new area will extend from the coast up to and including the Loosduinseweg/Oude Haagweg and from the Hubertustunnel up to the Monsterseweg. This new zero-emission zone will border the zone in the centre. The municipal council will take a final decision on the zero-emission zone along the coast of The Hague.

Automatic waivers and exemptions

Business owners with delivery van or truck

Your delivery van or truck might not be allowed to enter the zero-emission zone. For example, because the emissions standard of your vehicle is too low or because the vehicle is too old. An exception will be made for certain types of vehicles. These exceptions are also called waivers and exemptions.

A waiver will be granted on the basis of the number plate of your vehicle. If you are eligible for a waiver, you will get it automatically. This means that you will not have to apply for a waiver. You will get a waiver if your delivery van or truck is 40 years old or older (vintage model) or if it is wheelchair-accessible.

You have to apply for an exemption yourself. For example, if you only need to drive in the zero-emission zone a few times per year. Then you could get a one-day exemption. Or you can get a temporary exemption if it will take longer to get an electric vehicle.

More information about automatic waivers and exemptions can be found on the website Begin external link: Op weg naar ZES(External link), end external link..

Residents with delivery van or truck

Residents who never use their vehicle for their work can get an exemption for private use. They must be able to prove that they are not using the vehicle for commercial purposes. A condition is that the vehicle has an emissions standard of 5 or higher.

Apply for exemption online

You can apply for an exemption via the zero-emission counter. This counter will handle applications for all of the zero-emission zones in the Netherlands.

Apply for the exemption online via the Begin external link: zero-emission counter(External link), end external link. (in Dutch).

Get help switching to clean transport

Are you a business owner? The introduction of the zero-emission zone could have consequences for you. It is important that you already prepare to make the switch to clean transport. The Government of the Netherlands and the municipality are helping business owners with free advice and subsidies.

Look at Begin external link: www.logistiek070.com(External link), end external link. for all of the possibilities.

Cooperation in Logistiek070 platform

The municipality is working together with business owners and trade associations withn the Begin external link: Logistiek070 platform(External link), end external link.. The platform is making plans and providing examples for sustainable and smart urban logistics. They are also working together to prepare the zero-emission zone.