Zero-Emission Zones in 2026: 21 Zones, Schiphol Airport Added and City Expansions
In 2026, 21 zero-emission zones are active across the Netherlands. Schiphol (1 Jan), Haarlem (1 Mar), Arnhem and Dordrecht (July) are new additions. Euro 5 taxis are permitted until 1 January 2027; Euro 6 until 31 December 2027.
Zero-Emission Zones in 2026: Expansion to 21 Zones
In 2026, zero-emission zones (ZE zones) are expanding significantly across the Netherlands. With 21 active zero-emission zones, taxi drivers need to be well informed about which cities enforce which rules — and from when.
New ZE Zones Starting in 2026
| Location | Start Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Schiphol Airport | 1 January 2026 | First zero-emission zone at an airport (warning period until 1 July 2026) |
| Haarlem | 1 March 2026 | New city centre zone (after warning period) |
| The Hague (Den Haag) | 1 July 2026 | Extension towards the coast (in addition to existing centre zone) |
| Arnhem | July 2026 | New city centre zone |
| Dordrecht | July 2026 | New zero-emission zone |
Transition Rules for Taxis in 2026
| Vehicle Type | Access Until |
|---|---|
| Euro 5 taxi (diesel/petrol) | 1 January 2027 |
| Euro 6 taxi | 31 December 2027 (possible extension to 31 Dec 2028) |
| Electric/hydrogen taxi | Always permitted |
New Rules in 2026
1. Uniform Road Sign
From 1 January 2026, a new uniform road sign for zero-emission and environmental zones applies across the Netherlands. Municipalities are required to install this new sign between 1 January and 1 July 2026, ensuring consistent signage nationwide.
2. Nationally Valid Exemptions
New in 2026: exemptions are nationally valid rather than local only. Four grounds for an exemption exist:
- Grid congestion: insufficient electricity network capacity in your area
- No alternative: for vehicle types where no emission-free variant exists yet
- Business-economic reasons: demonstrable financial hardship
- Long delivery time: delays in delivery of an ordered electric vehicle
Apply for exemptions via RDW.nl — never through third-party websites.
3. Fines After Warning Period
After the mandatory warning period (minimum 6 months), fines are €120 for taxis and vans entering a zone without permission.
Schiphol: Important for Taxi Drivers
Schiphol Airport introduced the Netherlands' first airport zero-emission zone on 1 January 2026. Drivers doing Schiphol runs should note: a warning period applies until 1 July 2026, after which violations will be fined. Plan your switch to an electric vehicle in time.
Practical Tips
- Check your licence plate at RDW.nl for access to specific zones
- View current maps of all ZE zones at opwegnaarzes.nl
- Apply for an exemption in good time if your vehicle is not yet electric
More Information
Official information on zero-emission zones: opwegnaarzes.nl and RDW.nl.