Environmental restrictions in Madrid have been tightened in 2025, and cars without a sticker (also known as those without a DGT environmental badge) are the most affected. If you live, work, or simply travel around the capital, it's essential to know where you can't drive in Madrid without a sticker , what happens if your vehicle is registered in the city, and how long you can use it without risking fines.
What does it mean when a car doesn't have a sticker?
A car without an environmental label is one that doesn't meet the DGT's minimum emissions requirements. Generally, these are:
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Gasoline- powered passenger cars registered before 2000 .
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Diesel passenger cars before 2006 .
These vehicles do not receive any of the labels (B, C, ECO, or ZERO) and are considered the most polluting. This limits their circulation in many urban areas , especially in cities like Madrid, with local regulations such as the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) .
Where can you not drive in Madrid without a sticker?
Since January 1, 2025, cars without a sticker are prohibited from circulating on all public roads in the municipality of Madrid , regardless of whether they are registered or not.
This includes:
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Streets of any district (Center, Arganzuela, Retiro, etc.).
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Urban access from the M-30.
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The entire M-30 , including its outer carriageway.
Driving without a sticker in these areas is a serious offense and carries automatic penalties for electronic monitoring.
Can you drive on the M-40 without a sticker?
Yes , in 2025 you can drive on the M-40 without a sticker , as long as you don't enter the Madrid municipal area. This road is outside the urban limits defined by municipal ordinance, so unmarked vehicles can use it as a bypass .
However, leaving the M-40 to enter Madrid would be a violation if you don't have a sticker, even for brief stops or refueling within the prohibited area.
What happens if a car without a license plate is registered in Madrid in 2025?
Until December 31, 2024, vehicles without a license plate registered in Madrid had a partial exception: they could continue to circulate within the municipality, albeit with increasing restrictions.
But as of January 1, 2025, that exception has disappeared.
This means that, even if your unmarked car is registered in Madrid , you can't drive it on any urban road in the city . The only legal option is to deregister it, sell it outside the city limits, or use it exclusively outside the city limits , in areas where there are no similar restrictions.
Until when can cars circulate without a sticker?
In Madrid, the schedule of restrictions for unmarked vehicles has been progressive:
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Until 2022 : they could access freely.
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2023-2024 : partial restrictions based on license plate and zone.
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From January 1, 2025 : driving on any road in the municipality of Madrid is prohibited , regardless of registration.
Therefore, in 2025 they may no longer circulate in the city under any circumstances , except for towing, permanent deregistration or transfer to the scrapyard.
Some specific exceptions may apply to historic vehicles, vehicles with special authorization, or emergency situations, but in general, cars without a sticker are prohibited from urban circulation in Madrid.
Road safety in unforeseen circumstances: signal with the V16 beacon
If your unmarked car breaks down on the M-40 or on authorized roads outside the city of Madrid, it's crucial to signal properly to avoid accidents.
The safest way is to use a connected V16 signal light , like the new Help Flash IoT+ , the most powerful emergency light on the market. With it:
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You don't need to walk on the shoulder to place it (as is the case with triangles).
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Emits visible light up to 1 km away in 360º. Even during the day!
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It is activated by simply pressing a button and is placed on the roof in seconds.
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If connected, it communicates your location to the DGT 3.0 and alerts other drivers.
Starting in January 2026, this type of device will be mandatory for all cars still allowed on the road . Even if your unmarked car's days are numbered, having a connected V16 beacon is a worthwhile investment in safety.
Do you have questions about whether your car can be driven in Madrid?
Consult the Madrid LEZ (Low Road Traffic) advisor or ask at your local garage or driving school. If you want to stay up-to-date on road safety, regulations, and mandatory equipment, we'll keep you posted here.
