In order to improve air quality during the winter period, when the pollution problem is most pronounced, from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, a temporary extension of the low-emissions zone is introduced in the capital.It will encompass a new, larger perimeter known as the Great Ring.The main objective of the Metropolitan Municipality is to improve air quality, especially in winter, when traffic, heating and atmospheric conditions lead to increased levels of pollution.The expansion of low-emission zones is the next step of the plan for sustainable urban mobility and the fight against pollution in the capital.
What are low emission zones?
Low-emission zones (LEZ) are based on Euro standards - a pan-European classification that shows how much a car pollutes.The higher the standard, the less harmful emissions the vehicle emits.In Sofia, the system with eco groups is used to limit the movement of the oldest and most polluting cars in certain areas of the city.The newer and compliant with European requirements the car is, the less pollution it will be and the easier its access to the central parts of Sofia.
Which cars will it affect?
In the new Big Ring, access will be prohibited for vehicles of I environmental group.This includes:
- Gasoline cars without catalyst (without standard) or with Euro I and II standard;
- Diesel cars without catalyst (without standard) or with Euro I, II and III standard.
In the existing Small Ring, the rules remain the same –the movement of cars from I and II ecological groups is prohibited.
Which boulevards and high streets will it cover?
The main boulevards and streets that form the boundary of the zone are not part of it.Traffic on them will remain free for all vehicles.The perimeter of the Great Ring covers the following boulevards and streets:
from bul.Slivnitsa, Danail Nikolaev Blvd., Sitniakovo Blvd., Mihai Eminescu Blvd., Peio Yavorov Blvd., Nikola Vaptsarov Blvd., Atanas Dukov Blvd., Lyuba Velichkova St., Srebarna St., Henrik Ibsen St., P. Yu. Todorov Blvd., Ivan Ev. Geshov Blvd., K. Velichkov Blvd., back to"Slivnitsa" Blvd..
At all entry-exit points of the zone there will be cameras that will automatically check the car's registration number and eco-group.
Are there categories with exceptions?
The following categories are eligible for an exception, but only after registration:
- Residents with a permanent address in the zone - after submitting an application and receiving a sticker;
- Persons with disabilities - holding a valid permit or card (which are issued after submitting an application to the Center for Urban Mobility).
Violations will be sanctioned according to current legislation.
Find out more on the Vinetka.bg website!