Euro 4 Vehicles Under Pressure: What Do the New EU Bans Bring?

Bans on Euro 3 and Euro 4 vehicles are becoming a reality across Europe. The goal is clear – to reduce harmful emissions and accelerate the transition to more sustainable forms of transport.
For carriers, however, this is not just an environmental issue – it’s a matter of survival.

According to Eurostat, more than 75% of inland freight in Europe is transported by road, and most fleets in the region still include vehicles older than the Euro 5 standard.
This means that thousands of companies will need to invest in modernization to maintain access to key routes and markets.

What does “Euro 4” mean and why is it important?

“Euro 4” is an emission standard introduced in 2005 with the goal of reducing harmful gas emissions (NOx, PM, CO₂) from heavy-duty vehicles.

Trucks that comply with this standard were produced between 2006. and 2009and at the time, they represented an important step toward cleaner transport. However, today these standards are outdated compared to modern Euro 6 and the upcoming Euro 7 norms, which bring significantly stricter requirements and include real driving emissions (RDE) testing.

STANDARD	YEAR OF INTRODUCTION	KEY FEATURES
Euro 3	2000.	First standard with a catalytic converter for NOx emissions
Euro 4	2005.	Further reduction of particulate matter and NOx
Euro 5	2009.	Mandatory DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) for particles
Euro 6	2014.	Significantly stricter limits for NOx and PM
Euro 7		Significantly stricter limits for NOx and PM

Current bans in European countries

An increasing number of countries and cities are introducing restrictions for vehicles below the Euro 5 standard, most commonly through so-called “low emission” or “zero emission” zones.

Specific examples:

• Germany: More than 50 cities (Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne, Munich) have “Umweltzone” low-emission zones. Euro 4 trucks generally do not have access without a special sticker. More information available at: German Environment Agency – Umweltbundesamt
• Italy: Regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna impose seasonal bans on Euro 4 trucks (from October to March). More information available at: Regione Lombardia
• Austria: On sections of the A12 Inntal motorway, trucks below the Euro 6 standard are prohibited. More information available at: BMK Austria – Federal Ministry for Climate and Mobility
• France: The Crit’Air system categorizes vehicles — Euro 4 vehicles fall into lower categories and are not allowed to enter cities year-round. More information available at: Crit’Air France

How the bans affect carriers

For carriers, the bans are not just an administrative obstacle — they create real business challenges:

1. Loss of access to key routes and terminals
   Trucks that do not meet environmental standards cannot enter cities or even reach industrial zones.
   
   
2. Higher operational costs
   Rerouting, longer drives, and fines increase fuel and logistics expenses.
   
   
3. Decrease in market value of older vehicles
   The used truck market has recorded a price drop of up to 35% for Euro 4 models over the past two years (Truck1 EU, 2024).
   
   
4. Risk of losing contracts
   Many large clients require partners with sustainable fleets to reduce their carbon footprint.
   
   

Related article: Green Logistics – How companies reduce their carbon footprint

How to check which emission standard my vehicle meets

The emission standard is stated in the vehicle registration certificate (section V.9).
If it is not clearly stated, you can check with the manufacturer or an authorized service center.

Which vehicles fall under Euro 4?

Trucks produced from 2006. to 2009 usually meet the Euro 4 standard.
Some of the most common models:

• Mercedes-Benz Actros MP2/MP3
• MAN TGA/TGS (D20 engines)
• Volvo FH (D13A, D9B engines)
• DAF XF 105
• Iveco Stralis Euro 4
• Renault Premium Euro 4

Keep in mind that the same model can exist in multiple emission versions (e.g., Actros can be both Euro 3 and Euro 5).

What the future brings: Euro 7 and the Green Deal

As part of the European Green Deal strategy, the European Commission plans further tightening of standards through the Euro 7 regulation (starting in 2027).

New measures include:

• real driving emission monitoring,
• limits for micro-particles and brake emissions,
• increased manufacturer responsibilities throughout the entire vehicle life cycle.

What can carriers do today?

1. Analyze your fleet.
   Check how many of your vehicles are below the Euro 5 standard.
   
   
2. Plan a gradual replacement.
   Consider used Euro 6 models – they often provide the best balance between cost and performance.
3. Monitor local regulations.
   Cities are introducing zones at different paces – the HUBBIG platform can help you stay informed.
4. Take advantage of subsidies.
   Many countries offer incentives and benefits. The Croatian Environmental Protection Fund is preparing programs for fleet modernization.
5. Communicate with clients.
   Explain the changes and possible price adjustments due to legal requirements.

---

Conclusion: Time for smart decisions, not waiting

The bans on Euro 3 and Euro 4 vehicles are not a temporary change — they are a clear signal of the direction in which European road transport is heading.
The sector is entering a phase where sustainability, efficiency, and technological adaptation will become the key factors of success.

Companies that start modernizing their fleets and optimizing operations on time will not only avoid fines and restrictions but also gain a competitive advantage in a market that increasingly values environmental responsibility.

Monitoring new regulations, analyzing routes, and planning transport now require more than experience — they also demand digital tools that enable faster decision-making and greater control over operations. Platforms like HUBBIG make this easier by connecting carriers and freight forwarders with the market and new opportunities in real time.

Changes in transport are inevitable — but for those who prepare, they can become their greatest advantage.