Do you know your car's Euro class? Find out in this guide the differences between environmental categories and the new Euro 7 rules from 2026

If you are a car owner or future buyer, knowing your vehicle’s Euro class is very important for understanding its environmental impact and the regulations it is subject to.

The Euro classification sets maximum emission limits for each vehicle category, affecting air quality, urban mobility and access to incentives and subsidies for those who choose less polluting models.

In this article, we will guide you through the different Euro classes, from the first Euro 0 categories to the new Euro 7 standard that will come into force at the end of 2026, illustrating the differences, what’s new and what will change for you and your car.

What is the Euro Class and why is it important?

The Euro Class is a classification system introduced by the European Union to regulate vehicle emissions.

It applies to passenger cars, commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles, and sets increasingly stringent limits on the amount of harmful substances released into the air.

The main objective of this legislation is to progressively reduce the environmental impact of road transport, with the aim of improving air quality and public health.

Each new Euro category marks a step forward in the fight against pollution, requiring motorists and manufacturers to use more efficient technologies to reduce emissions. Examples include the introduction of particulate filters, exhaust gas after-treatment systems and increasingly optimised engines. Thanks to these innovations, the regulation has contributed to a significant reduction in the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere.

This classification is based on official tests that measure the concentration of certain highly polluting substances, such as nitrogen oxide, which is responsible for the formation of smog, and carbon monoxide, a toxic gas resulting from the incomplete combustion of fuels.

How to identify your car’s Euro class

Your vehicle’s emission level is essential information for determining its eligibility for certain tax benefits and restrictions on where it can be driven.

Fortunately, this information is very easy to find in the vehicle registration document, which is the official document containing the vehicle’s technical specifications.

• Vehicles registered after 2001: the Euro classification is specified in section V.9 of the logbook. Here you will find the environmental category of your vehicle, such as Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 5, etc.
• Vehicles registered before 2001: in these cases, the Euro class may not be explicitly indicated. To determine it, you can check: the date of first registration, in order to associate it with the regulations in force at that time, which we will see below, and the type-approval code, an identification number for the vehicle found in the logbook, which can be used to trace the Euro category by consulting the official tables of European regulations.

If you cannot find this information in the logbook, you can check it online by entering the vehicle’s registration number in the Ministry of Transport’s search system.

 

Euro categories: from Euro 0 to Euro 6

Having understood the importance of the Euro class and its impact on mobility, incentives and restrictions, it is useful to take a closer look at the different categories that exist. Each vehicle belongs to a specific Euro class, which determines its emission level and roadworthiness.

Over time, European regulations have imposed increasingly stringent limits, prompting the automotive industry to develop more efficient engines and technologies for reducing pollutants.

Let’s take a closer look at the various categories and their main characteristics.

 

Euro 0

Euro 0 vehicles are those registered before 1993 and do not have emission reduction systems, such as catalytic converters. For this reason, they produce high levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, making them among the most polluting vehicles.

Due to their environmental impact, they are subject to severe driving restrictions.

 

H3: Euro 1

In 1993, with the entry into force of the Euro 1 standard, the use of catalytic converters and electronic fuel injection was made mandatory on new vehicles.

These technologies represented an important turning point in the reduction of harmful emissions, helping to reduce the environmental impact of petrol and diesel cars.

The Euro 1 standard marked the first European regulation on air quality in the automotive sector, laying the foundations for a more sustainable future and increasingly stringent standards in subsequent generations.

 

Euro 2

In 1997, Euro 2 regulations introduced stricter limits for diesel engines, aimed primarily at reducing particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions.

These pollutants, which are highly harmful to the environment and health, prompted car manufacturers to develop cleaner engines, with innovative solutions to improve combustion and reduce the production of harmful gases.

The Euro 2 classification also imposed stricter limits on hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, further improving the environmental performance of petrol engines.

 

Euro 3

In 2001, the Euro 3 class introduced more rigorous tests for measuring nitrogen oxides.

This regulation promoted the spread of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, which reduce the production of gases resulting from combustion in diesel engines. In addition, particulate matter and carbon monoxide limits were revised, contributing to an overall reduction in emissions.

 

Euro 4

In 2006, the Euro 4 regulation imposed stricter limits on particulate emissions, leading to the mandatory use of particulate filters on diesel vehicles.

This technology has drastically reduced the amount of harmful particles released into the environment, improving air quality in urban areas.

 

Euro 5

In 2011, Euro 5 introduced even stricter criteria for reducing nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

This regulation prompted car manufacturers to improve their exhaust gas after-treatment systems, adopting advanced technologies such as SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems and the use of AdBlue, a solution that reduces emissions in diesel engines.

 

Euro 6

Since 2015, the Euro 6 regulation has marked a further step forward in emissions control, with even more restrictive limits for carbon oxides, particulate matter and CO.

To ensure effective control, more realistic tests have been introduced that better simulate everyday driving conditions. In addition, Euro 6 has placed greater emphasis on diesel engines, requiring further improvements to catalytic reduction and exhaust gas after-treatment systems.

The evolution of Euro regulations has contributed to a significant reduction in vehicle emissions.

Thanks to these regulations, air quality has improved and many car models have become less harmful to the environment. With technological progress and new environmental requirements, regulations continue to be updated to ensure ever stricter standards.

 

Euro 7: the new frontier from 2026

The Euro 7 standard, which is expected to come into force at the end of 2026, marks a further step towards reducing the environmental impact of road vehicles. Compared to previous generations, Euro 7 introduces even stricter limits and type-approval tests under more realistic conditions, taking into account variables such as extreme temperatures, heavy urban traffic and short journeys.

Euro 7 will include monitoring of ammonia and ultrafine particulate emissions, microscopic particles that have a significant impact on human health.

This regulation will affect all types of vehicles, from petrol and diesel engines to LPG and methane-powered engines, with no distinction between light and heavy vehicles. The aim is to ensure a uniform standard for the automotive industry, encouraging cleaner technologies and more efficient emission reduction systems.

In addition to stricter limits, the Euro 7 category will introduce new monitoring tools, with sensors integrated into vehicles to continuously monitor actual emissions throughout the vehicle’s entire life cycle. These systems will ensure consistent compliance with environmental regulations and prevent anomalies related to pollutant emissions.

With these changes, Euro 7 aims to drastically reduce the automotive sector’s impact on air pollution, pushing manufacturers to invest in more efficient engines, advanced filtering systems and low-emission alternatives.

What will change for you and your car?

With the introduction of Euro 7 regulations, Italian and European cities will have the opportunity to adopt stricter measures to limit the circulation of the most polluting vehicles.

This change will lead to stricter rules in Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ), with access only permitted to vehicles that comply with the new environmental standards.

Impact on traffic and restrictions

Owners of cars with a Euro 6 or lower rating may face more frequent restrictions, especially during periods when air quality reaches critical levels. Local authorities will be able to impose temporary traffic bans on less environmentally friendly vehicles, especially in large cities and areas with high traffic density.

Many European cities are already discussing the possibility of introducing specific taxes or tolls for the most polluting vehicles, discouraging their use and promoting alternative mobility solutions.

Greater freedom for low-emission vehicles

On the contrary, hybrid, electric or LPG and methane-powered vehicles could enjoy greater freedom of movement, with easier access to restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and low emission zones (LEZ). In some cities, these vehicles could obtain parking concessions, exemptions from certain local taxes and less restricted circulation even on traffic restriction days.

This regulatory change aims to encourage the renewal of the car fleet and promote more sustainable mobility, with positive impacts on air quality and public health.

Purchase and conversion: solutions for sustainable mobility

If you are considering purchasing a new or used car, it is essential to check the Euro class of the vehicle and consider the environmental impact of your choice. With the Euro 7 regulation, it may be advantageous to opt for more efficient models, such as hybrid, electric or LPG/CNG-powered vehicles.

An alternative for those who do not want to change their car is to consider converting to LPG or CNG, which reduces emissions and often entitles you to economic and regulatory benefits, such as reduced road tax or traffic concessions. Companies such as BRC Gas Equipment, which specialise in alternative fuel systems, offer reliable solutions for vehicle conversion, enabling motorists to reduce fuel costs and improve the environmental impact of their vehicles.

The introduction of the Euro 7 classification therefore marks a significant change in the automotive landscape, with direct consequences on vehicle choice, running costs and freedom of movement. Being informed and planning your mobility in an informed manner is the best way to adapt to the new regulations.

Conclusion

The Euro classification is a key element in understanding the environmental profile of your car and guiding you in your sustainable mobility choices.

Euro regulations have progressively reduced vehicle emissions. This path has led to more sustainable mobility, improving air quality and encouraging more informed choices by consumers.

Get informed, check the Euro class of your vehicle and choose your car wisely. The environment and the future will thank you.