A change in traffic regulations
The city of Madrid is about to experience a significant change in its mobility regulations. Starting from March 24, cars without labels that are registered in the capital will be able to circulate freely, but with one crucial condition: their circulation will depend on air quality levels.
This decision comes after the Municipal Popular Group presented an amendment to the Sustainable Mobility Ordinance (OMS), which will be discussed and voted on in the municipal Plenary. The new regulation establishes that these vehicles will be allowed to travel through the streets of Madrid as long as the European limits for nitrogen dioxide are not exceeded.
Currently, Madrid has approximately 11,309 vehicles without labels, which represents only 1.08% of the total vehicles in the city. Since January 1, 2025, these cars have been banned in the entire urban area due to restrictions imposed by low emission zones (ZBE). However, the City Council has decided to extend a temporary amnesty for these vehicles until 2026, arguing that their environmental impact is decreasing.
Fortunately for the owners of these cars, Madrid has shown a positive trend regarding air quality. Since 2022, no measuring station has exceeded the established European limits for nitrogen dioxide, set at 40 micrograms per cubic meter. During 2024 and 2025, historically low figures were recorded, which could further facilitate this new regulation.
In addition to the change concerning vehicles without labels, the OMS also includes other significant improvements. An expansion of the regulated parking service (SER) to 22 new neighbourhoods is expected, adding around 66,120 additional spaces. Delegate Borja Carabante has noted that throughout the rest of the year, new locations for parking meters will be sought, and the possibility of extending operational hours and days will be evaluated.
This comprehensive approach aims not only to improve sustainable mobility but also to address concerns about the economic and social impact that could arise from potential legal changes driven by opposition parties like Vox.
As the deadline for implementing these reforms approaches, the City Council is working hard to safeguard this regulation against possible legal challenges. The inclusion of a new report on economic impact aims to strengthen its position against any legal challenges.
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