Use the registered vehicle category
A vehicle that looks like a van is not classified by appearance alone. The RDW registration and legal vehicle definition determine whether it is treated as a van or another category. Check the vehicle record if the mass, bodywork or conversion is unusual.
Zero-emission city-logistics rules target vans and trucks. A petrol or LPG van is not automatically emission-free just because the low-emission rule is aimed at diesel.
First-admission date and emission class matter
National transition rules distinguish existing vans by emission class and first-admission date. Euro 5 vans have access until 1 January 2027. Euro 6 vans first admitted before 2025 have access under the current baseline until 1 January 2028; an extension to 2029 is still in preparation as of 15 October 2026 and is not treated here as adopted law.
New vans first admitted from 1 January 2025 generally need to be emission-free at the tailpipe to enter, subject to published exceptions.
Check the local zone and any permit
Municipal maps show the local boundary. Verify the travel date, destination, traffic signs and the vehicle type before setting off. A transition rule does not confirm an individual exemption or RDW permit.
Use the official RDW and municipal pages for the current application and any special category. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Euro 5 van enter after 1 January 2027?
The national transition rule gives Euro 5 vans access until 1 January 2027. Check current rules before travelling.
Is Euro 6 access until 2029 already final?
No. The extension is still in preparation on 15 October 2026 and is not treated as adopted law here.
Do zero-emission rules apply only to diesel vans?
No. The rules concern tailpipe emissions and registered vehicle category, not only diesel.
Sources
Content last checked: 15 October 2026. Rules and municipal decisions can change.