In the ranking of labels of the DGT, the C occupies an intermediate position that, at the moment, is comfortable: the B are a cushion for the next restrictions, so a priori they have some rope left. However, this does not imply that they have complete freedom: what C-labeled cars can do (and what they cannot) in the LEZ.
The first thing is to be clear that not all Low Emission Zones operate in the same way, so let’s break down how each of them worked.
ZBE Madrid 360
Also known as Madrid Central, given that it was the first ZBE to be activated, it is the one in which most drivers are clear about how it works: any car with a C label can enter but only if it is going to park in a public or private parking lot. In addition, those who are registered as registered in the area, have free movement.
Now begins a long list of exceptions that is exactly the same as those for cars with a B label: freelancers or companies that work in the area, reduced mobility vehicles, access to go to a workshop, to drop off or pick up students from primary or secondary, qualified groups or workers with night shifts (00:00 to 06:00 hours).
ZBE Madrid Central District
It is a broader Madrid Low Emissions Zone, which integrates Madrid 360 and extends to the M-30. It will grow gradually until it occupies the entire capital, but for the time being, and it has not been announced that things will change, cars with a C label can circulate completely freely.
ZBE Square Elliptical
A similar situation occurs with the Plaza Elíptica Low Emissions Zone, the most polluted place in the capital: access to cars without a label has been banned, but those with the DGT environmental sticker C can access without any problem.
ZBE Barcelona
Barcelona operates with a similar regime, in which the cars that are banned are those that do not have a label, but the C do not have access, circulation or parking restrictions.