ZBE and sanctions from March 14 in Donostia-San Sebastián: how to avoid fines and appeal violations

ZBE and sanctions from March 14 have become the main concern for drivers traveling through Donostia-San Sebastián, since on this date the sanctioning phase of the Low Emissions Zone will become effective. Below, you will find all the information on the expected fines, the steps to comply with the regulations (especially if you are a French tourist) and how to appeal a violation if you receive one. We also briefly address the impact on business and tourism, without forgetting the key guidelines that every traveler or resident should know.

If you are going to visit San Sebastián, consult all the information about the Donostia-San Sebastián Low Emissions Zone at this article

Financial sanctions for violating the ZBE (as of March 14)

The Donostia-San Sebastián Low Emissions Zone (ZBE) enter your sanctions phase starting March 14, imposing considerable fines on vehicles that enter without authorization. These sanctions can reach up to 200 euros, with increases of 30% in case of recidivism (a second offense within the same year). This places ZBE violations at the level of traffic fines classified as serious, so the same collection procedures apply:

• Prompt payment: the regulations usually contemplate a 50% discount if you pay the fine within the voluntary period, normally 15 to 20 calendar days.
• Feature: If you consider that you have not committed the violation, you can always file allegations or appeal (we explain this later).

The control cameras and the ZBE surveillance system will automatically verify the license plates and check, in the DGT database, whether the vehicle complies with the appropriate environmental label or has entry authorization.

ZBE and sanctions from March 14: requirements for locals and tourists

To avoid fines in the ZBE of Donostia-San Sebastián, especially when sanctions come into force from March 14, drivers must ensure they comply with the regulations. This includes both residents of the city as visitors (especially French tourists who travel by car). We summarize the main requirements:

1. Spanish vehicles with environmental label (B, C, ECO or Zero)
   • They can access the Donostia center without the need for an additional procedure. The cameras will read the license plate and confirm the DGT badge.
2. Vehicles without a tag
   • It covers those that, due to age, do not have the environmental label (gasoline before 2000 or diesel before 2006). They cannot enter the ZBE except for exceptions (people with reduced mobility, residents registered in the area, etc.). If improper access is detected starting March 14, sanction will be imposed.
3. Foreign vehicles from 2006 onwards
   • They must register on the official website of the City Council to avoid the fine. The case of the french tourists is critical, because France’s Crit’Air sticker no is automatically recognized; If the car is not previously registered, it will be considered to be circulating without authorization.
4. Foreign vehicles before 2006
   • As they lack an equivalent environmental label and are more polluting, they are not authorized to enter the ZBE. It is recommended to park in deterrent zones or parking outside the restricted perimeter.

In essence, if you want to drive safely, check the environmental label, complete the previous registrations in the case of a foreign vehicle and, if your car does not meet the requirements, avoid the city center. Starting March 14, the economic penalty will be immediate and automatic.

What to do if you receive a fine from the ZBE?

Even if you are cautious, it is possible that you will receive a penalty notification for violating the ZBE and sanctions from March 14. To resolve this situation, we recommend:

1. Read the notification
   • Check the license plate number, date and time of the violation, restricted access location and amount of the fine.
2. Decide between paying with a discount or appealing
   • If you accept the infringement, prompt payment It will reduce your sanction by around half, normally without the possibility of later presenting allegations.
   • If you think it has been an error, write a written statement of allegations, providing evidence or documents that demonstrate that you complied with the regulations.
3. Allegations (first appeal)
   • You have a within 20 business days after receiving the notification. You must state your reasons and attach relevant documentation (e.g. confirmation that you did have a valid permit).
4. Appeal for replacement (second appeal)
   • If the allegations are dismissed, you can still appeal administratively through an appeal for reconsideration. The period is usually 1 month from the notification of the rejection.
5. Contentious-administrative appeal
   • If you exhaust the administrative route without success, you can go to court. This process is more expensive and lengthy, which is why it is usually recommended in more important cases.

In certain cases (e.g. registration failures on foreign vehicles that did comply, poor signage, etc.), the City Council has sanctions canceled after studying the allegations. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review each case.

Impact on business and tourism

The implementation of the ZBE with active fines from the March 14 could alter the influx of vehicles in the center of Donostia. The most affected sectors will be:

• Shops and hospitality: They are concerned about the possible reduction of traffic, although other European examples show that, in the medium term, low-emission zones improve urban quality and can attract more sustainable tourism.
• French tourists: They are the largest foreign group in San Sebastián due to their proximity. With the sanctions effective, hotels and restaurants are warning their clients to register the vehicle or leave it in peripheral parking lots and travel by public transport.
• Sustainable mobility: This measure encourages both residents and visitors to opt for alternatives such as public transport, cycling or walking. In addition, they encourage dissuasive parkings on the outskirts and the pedestrian entrance to the urban area.

The experience of other cities with ZBE (Madrid, Barcelona, ​​even Paris in France) indicates that restricting access to polluting vehicles can represent a initial economic impact but, in the medium term, it contributes to a improvement of air quality and a more pleasant commercial environment.

Conclusion: prepare for sanctions from March 14

The ZBE and sanctions from March 14 in Donostia-San Sebastián are already a fact: all drivers who violate the regulations are exposed to fines of up to 200 euros (or more in case of recidivism). To avoid them, make sure that your vehicle complies with the environmental label, or carry out the registration process if you are a foreigner and have the required conditions.

If, despite everything, you receive a notification, remember that you have the option to pay with discount the appeal if you consider that the fine is not appropriate. In it economic and tourist impact, businesses adapt to a scenario in which the sustainable mobility and indiscriminate access of polluting vehicles to the center is restricted. Although the process may generate initial doubts and annoyances, the ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors in Donostia.

Sources consulted:

• Official ordinance of the ZBE of Donostia-San Sebastián (Donostia City Council).
• Information from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and guides on fine appeals.

Comply with the ZBE and don’t be sanctioned from March 14 It is key to enjoying the city without surprises and contributing to a cleaner atmosphere, both for local inhabitants and for the thousands of tourists who visit San Sebastián year after year. Stay informed, respect the regulations and avoid costly fines!

Author: Descubre Donostia