Italy adjusts diesel vehicle restrictions and Euro 4 exemptions

The Lazio regional government has announced a derogation allowing Euro 4 vehicles to circulate within Rome’s Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). President Francesco Rocca stated the decision addresses the economic needs of families and businesses for whom automobiles are a necessity, rather than a luxury. This measure is part of a regional air quality plan that allows municipalities to adopt alternative measures to generalized bans, provided they demonstrate environmental effectiveness.

To support the transition to greener mobility, the Lazio region has launched a 25 million euro incentive package. While Euro 4 vehicles gain access, existing restrictions remain in place within the ZTL Green Belt, where diesel vehicles up to Euro 3 and petrol vehicles up to Euro 2 are still prohibited.

On a national level, the structural ban on Euro 5 diesel vehicles has been postponed from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2027, under Decree-Law 167. However, this delay does not apply to all regions. For instance, in Milan’s Area B, restrictions on Euro 5 diesel vehicles for passenger transport have been in effect since October 2023, with freight and bus restrictions following in October 2024.