The implementation of the Low Emission Zone (ZBE) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will contend with a vehicle fleet where older vehicles still hold considerable weight. According to the latest 2025 data from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the capital of Tenerife registers 51,390 vehicles without an environmental sticker, representing 28.2% of the total 182,362 vehicles registered in the municipality. These vehicles will be the most impacted by the ZBE access restrictions, although the ordinance includes numerous exceptions.
In contrast, 129,519 vehicles (approximately 71% of the total fleet) have an environmental sticker (C, B, ECO, or Zero) and will generally be able to access the ZBE. The largest category is C, with 84,345 units, followed by B (34,244), ECO (7,157), and Zero (3,773).
DGT data also reveals the aging of the vehicle fleet. Of the 119,564 passenger cars in Santa Cruz, 59,429 are 15 years or older (49.7%). The aging is even more pronounced among vans (62.9% over 15 years old), trucks (over 60%), motorcycles (9,561 aged 15 or more), and mopeds (3,635 exceed this age).
Vehicles with the most favorable environmental categories (ECO and Zero) remain a minority, totaling 10,930 units (around 6% of the total). The majority of vehicles run on gasoline (127,861), followed by diesel (50,034).
It is important to note that the figure of 51,390 vehicles without a sticker does not imply an automatic entry ban. The ordinance includes exceptions for residents within the ZBE, private garage owners, public parking subscribers, self-employed individuals with activity in the zone, vehicles for school transport, medical appointments, workshops, caregivers for dependents, large families, and cases of proven financial hardship to replace their vehicle.
Access restrictions to the ZBE will generally be active from Monday to Saturday, between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. The implementation will be progressive: operation will begin 18 months after the ordinance comes into effect, and sanctions will not be applied until 36 months have passed.
Furthermore, the number of affected vehicles could be higher as it does not include those registered in other municipalities that travel to the capital. The ZBE of Santa Cruz will also affect drivers from La Laguna, El Rosario, and Candelaria, among others.
