If you are picking up a car at the airport and want to drive into town, here is the key fact about the Malaga low emission zone: since 14 October 2026 the City Council has stopped issuing fines based on the environmental label, after the High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) struck down the penalty rules of the bylaw. On top of that, hire cars are usually recent models with a C or ECO label, which have never been restricted.
The rules are still under review and the council is drafting a new bylaw. Below is the situation as of 20 October 2026 and what to check before you drive into the city centre.
What is the Malaga low emission zone?
The Zona de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE) is an area of more than 400 hectares in central Malaga where access depends on the vehicle's DGT environmental label. It applies 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and is enforced by cameras that read number plates and check the label in the DGT database.
Streets on the boundary
The boundary includes roads such as Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, Avenida de Andalucía, Avenida de las Américas, Alameda de Capuchinos, Calle Marqués de Cádiz and Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso. In practice it covers the historic centre, the Soho district, the port area and the neighbourhoods around them.
Is the Malaga low emission zone still in force in 2026?
The zone is still marked out, but no fines are being issued right now. In ruling 896/2026 of 6 May, the TSJA annulled the penalty articles of the bylaw because they treated cars registered in Malaga differently from cars registered elsewhere. On 13 October 2026 the council announced that it accepts the ruling, will not appeal and stopped fining from the 14th.
What the new bylaw could change
The council is preparing a replacement bylaw, but there is no official date or content yet. It is also unclear what will happen to the roughly 46,500 penalty notices processed between December 2025 and July 2026. If you are travelling later in the year, check the Malaga City Council website before your trip.
DGT labels: which cars could enter the zone
Before the ruling, the timetable mainly affected vehicles registered outside Malaga. This is how each label was treated:
| DGT label | Vehicles (approximate) | Access under the annulled bylaw |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (blue) | Electric cars and plug-in hybrids with over 40 km of electric range | Free |
| ECO | Hybrids, plug-in hybrids with less range, gas-powered cars | Free |
| C (green) | Petrol from about 2006, diesel from about 2014 | Free |
| B (yellow) | Petrol from about 2001, diesel from about 2006 | Non-local cars: allowed until 30/11/2026 |
| No label | Older vehicles | Non-local cars: banned from 30/11/2025 |
These dates come from the annulled bylaw and may change with the new one. The fine was 200 euros (100 euros if paid early) and carried no penalty points.
Driving a hire car in central Malaga
Rental fleets are renewed often, so your car will most likely have a C, ECO or 0 label. If in doubt, look at the sticker on the windscreen or ask at the desk when you collect the car.
What if I get a fine?
When a hire car gets a traffic fine, the rental company identifies the driver to the authorities and the fine is issued in their name. At Espacar we handle this at no extra charge. With car hire with no excess in Malaga you are covered for damage, but traffic fines always belong to the driver.
Tips for getting around the centre
- Much of the historic centre is pedestrianised: leave the car in a public car park and walk.
- From the airport the drive into town is short, and you do not need to enter the narrow streets.
- To plan where to leave the car, read our guide to parking in Malaga.
Hire at the airport without surprises
If you arrive by plane, you can collect your car in the arrivals hall and drive straight to your accommodation. Our all-inclusive car hire in Malaga includes fully comprehensive insurance with no excess, no deposit or card hold, unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can simply enjoy your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be fined for entering the Malaga low emission zone now?
No. Since 14 October 2026 Malaga City Council has stopped fining drivers based on the environmental label, after the TSJA ruling that annulled the penalty rules. This may change once the new bylaw is approved.
Which label does my hire car have?
Hire cars are usually recent models with a C, ECO or 0 label. You can see it on the windscreen sticker or check the number plate on the DGT website.
Do I need to register my car to enter the zone?
No registration is needed for cars with a C, ECO or 0 label. Enforcement is done by cameras that read the plate and check the label with the DGT.
Who pays a traffic fine in a hire car?
The driver pays. The rental company identifies the driver to the authorities; at Espacar this is handled at no extra cost.
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