Environmental Zone
The sign indicates that you are entering an environmental zone.
When You See This Sign
When you see the environmental zone sign, you should immediately check if your car meets the stated emissions requirements and read any supplementary plates. Drive in only if the vehicle is covered by the zone's rules or if you have an explicit exemption; otherwise, seek an alternative route or park outside the zone.
Rules & Regulations
- Environmental zone (E31) marks the start of an area where only vehicles that meet local emission requirements may drive. The requirements are decided by the municipality or the responsible authority and may vary between zones.
- Detailed information about which vehicles are covered is often shown on supplementary plates beneath the sign itself or on a separate information board at the zone boundary. The sign's instructions are binding and not a recommendation.
- Violations may lead to checks, fines, or other penalties. The zone's rules apply until an end sign for the environmental zone or another cancelling sign is displayed.
- Exceptions may occur (e.g., emergency vehicles, certain work vehicles, or residents), but these are always clearly indicated with a supplementary plate or in the local regulatory framework.
Tips for Drivers
- Read the following supplementary plates carefully — they show which vehicles, times, or emissions requirements apply in that specific environmental zone.
- Check your car's emission class before entering city centers; if you're unsure, choose another route or park outside the zone and use public transport.
- Expect automatic enforcement via cameras or registration at entry and exit — records of trips are often saved and can be used as grounds for fines.
- If you are a professional driver, have paper or digital documentation available showing that the vehicle meets the requirements, especially for international vehicles or rental cars.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign is merely informational and the rules are optional. The zone's requirements are binding for the vehicles covered.
- Missing supplementary plates and misinterpreting the sign as a general parking ban or speed limit.
- Assuming that all older vehicles are banned without checking specific local requirements or exceptions that may apply in the given zone.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Environmental Zone
What should you check when you drive under this sign?
- A You are entering an environmental zone — some vehicles may be prohibited or have special restrictions
- B You are leaving an environmental zone and no restrictions apply anymore
- C It is a quiet zone where engine noise should be minimized
- D It only applies to parking fees for environmentally friendly cars
Exam Tip
On the theory test a common trap can be a question about whether the sign prohibits all vehicles or only certain vehicles — look for answers that mention supplementary plates or local regulations. Answer that the sign indicates a binding area with specific vehicle requirements and that details are shown on supplementary plates.
Did You Know?
The environmental zone sign was introduced to give municipalities a clear tool to improve air quality in urban areas and can be combined with various technical requirements (e.g., particulate filters or certain Euro classes). The sign is relatively new in the Swedish road sign set and is most often found in city centers with high levels of particulates and nitrogen oxides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the environmental zone apply around the clock?
It depends on what is indicated on the supplementary plates or in the local regulations. Some zones apply around the clock while others only during specific times or periods.
How do I know if my car is allowed to enter the zone?
Check the vehicle's emissions class (e.g., Euro class) and whether it has a particulate filter, and read the supplementary plates at the zone boundary. The municipality's website usually also has up-to-date information about which vehicles are allowed.
Are emergency vehicles or residents allowed to drive in the environmental zone?
Some vehicles, such as emergency vehicles, usually have exemptions, and residents may have special permits. These exceptions are always indicated on supplementary plates or in local regulations, so check what applies for the specific zone.
What happens if I enter without meeting the requirements?
You may be subject to checks and receive fines or other penalties under the local regulations. In addition, repeated violations can lead to increased sanctions or registration in a permanent database.
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