FAQ: Low emission zones

Here, hauliers can find useful information before sending their drivers to Danish cities. If you have Euro 4 standard vehicles or newer, you do not need to take further action.

From 1 November 2011, you must have a low emission zone label on the windshield, like your Danish counterparts.

The label is proof that the truck or bus has a low particle emission and may enter all Danish low emission zones - it replaces the need for bringing documentation regarding the vehicle's engine standard etc.

You can order the low emission zone label on-line or drive to the nearest Danish vehicle inspection facility. 

If you have Euro 3 standard vehicles or older, you need to consider some of the following points.

Consider your vehicles' operational life.

• Provided that you intend to replace your oldest vehicles - Euro 3 or older - before long, you may consider using your newest vehicles in the low emission zones until then.
• If you have no intention of replacing your oldest vehicles - Euro 3 or older - you should consider fitting these with particle filters. Alternatively, you could avoid the low emission zones.

Consider your requirement to enter low emission zones. 

• Find out whether your customers will accept a later delivery of goods while you require a new vehicle, which is permitted in low emission zones.
• Consider alternative ways of haulage in the low emission zones, instead of using vehicles that do not meet the necessary requirements.

Consider what will be most cost-efficient: not entering low emission zones, buying a new truck or bus, or fitting your existing vehicle(s) with particle filter(s). 

• How much do you earn on haulage in environmental zones? Is this haulage significant for your business?
• How much will you lose by replacing your old vehicle with a new before planned?
• Are your activities in low emission zones profitable enough to pay for the expenses associated with fitting particle filters, acquiring new trucks, or to cover losses from sales of old trucks?
• How much is the annual cost of a particle filter including fitting and use during the depreciation period?

How to fit a particle filter on a vehicle

• Contact your supplier/garage about the possibilities of having a particle filter fitted to your vehicle.
• Contact particle filter suppliers. Not all filters can be used on all vehicles and under all conditions of use. So it is necessary to ensure that vehicle (engine and condition), pattern of use and filter are compatible. The best way to do so is to have the filter manufacturer or representative confirm that the combination will work.

How to maintain a particle filter on a vehicle

• Watch for back pressure in the exhaust system - check the back pressure gauge.
• Follow the recommended service procedure and clean the filter.
• Maintain the engine - including nozzles.
• Take a drive to warm up the engine and exhaust system.

Where are the Danish low emission zones?

• The Danish low emission zones are in the cities of Copenhagen (and Frederiksberg), Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.  

How do I get a low emission zone label on-line?

• You can order your low emission zone label on-line. When ordering, you must document that your vehicle meets the low emission zone requirements. An administration fee of DKK 89 is payable for each registered vehicle for which you order a label, as well as postage if relevant.
• You can also order your label by post from the following address: Applus, Korsdalsvej 111, 2610 Rødovre, Denmark or drive to the nearest Danish vehicle inspection facility.

How do I get the low emission zone label in Denmark?

• If you arrive in Denmark without a low emission zone label, you will not be allowed to drive into the low emission zone.
• You can then drive to the nearest Danish vehicle inspection facility, where the label can be fitted for a fee laid down by the individual inspection enterprise.
• At the vehicle inspection facility, you must be able to document that your vehicle meets the requirements in order to get a low emission zone label.

Where do I find a Danish vehicle inspection facility?

• See the list of Danish vehicle inspection facilities.

What will happen if I don't get a label on my truck?

• The statutory requirement for an approved low emission zone label in Danish and foreign vehicles means that it will no longer be enough for your truck or bus just to meet the Euro 4 standard or to have an approved particle filter.
• If the vehicle does not comply with the environmental requirements, this can result in a fine of up to DKK 20,000 for the bus driver or truck driver.
• The vehicle can be detained until the fine has been paid.

Can I get an exemption?

• In special cases, your vehicle can be granted temporary exemption from the Danish low emission zone regulations.
• If your application is accepted, you will receive a red label, showing that your vehicle has permission to drive in the Danish low emission zones for a limited period.
• Few visits are not reason for exemption.