Last updated: 10 min. read
Why 1–2-Year-Old Used Trucks Offer a Strategic Advantage in Europe’s Changing Emission Zones
Marty van den Dungen
As more European cities tighten their environmental regulations, emission zones are becoming a critical factor for anyone buying or operating trucks. From Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to Zero Emission Zones (ZEZs), new restrictions are shaping how and where trucks can be used — and for how long.
For transport companies and fleet owners, this creates a pressing question: How do I future-proof my next truck purchase without overcommitting to full electrification just yet?
A surprising answer is gaining traction across Europe: buying a used truck that’s 1 to 2 years old may offer the best combination of flexibility, affordability, and long-term access.
Emission Zones Are Expanding – but Not Uniformly
While there's no single European policy, most major cities are introducing or expanding their LEZ and ZEZ regulations. Here are a few key developments across Europe:
The Netherlands is introducing zero-emission zones from 1 January 2025 in multiple cities. However, diesel trucks that meet Euro 6 standards and are registered before that date can still enter these zones until 1 January 2030.
Read more on business.gov.nl and www.opwegnaarzes.nl.
Germany operates ‘Umweltzonen’ in dozens of cities, where only vehicles meeting specific emissions standards — generally Euro 4 or higher — are permitted, often with special window stickers.
Details at htg-express.com.
France uses the Crit’Air sticker system, categorising vehicles based on emissions. Cities like Paris are increasingly restricting access to older diesels, with plans to move toward Crit’Air 2 and 1 vehicles only.
More info at htg-express.com.
Denmark recently tightened its LEZ policies in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. Since October 2023, diesel trucks must be equipped with particulate filters, regardless of their age.
See europe-consommateurs.eu for an EU-wide overview.
Why 1–2-Year-Old Trucks Are in High Demand
Our goal is simple: to help you make better decisions when it comes to buying and managing used trucks. Here’s what you can expect from the articles we publish:
A major factor behind this shift is the way many cities handle transitional rules. In most cases, trucks that are already registered before the zero-emission regulations take effect can continue operating in restricted zones for several more years — even if identical new vehicles would no longer be allowed.
Take the Dutch example: Euro 6 trucks registered before 2025 can enter zero-emission zones until 2030. That’s a full five-year grace period — but only if the truck is already on the road before the deadline.
This is why used trucks that are 1 to 2 years old have become so attractive. They offer a unique combination of:
Recent registration dates that qualify for access extensions
Full Euro 6 compliance
Low fuel consumption, thanks to the most recent engine technology and efficiency updates
Proven service history and lower mileage
Immediate availability
A lower upfront cost compared to new zero-emission vehicles
As a result, even buyers who initially planned to invest in new trucks are now turning to nearly new used vehicles. It’s a cost-effective way to maintain urban access while avoiding the premium costs — and longer lead times — of full electrification.
What to Consider When Choosing a Used Truck for Urban Access
If you’re exploring this route, keep these questions in mind:
Which cities will the truck operate in, and what are their local rules?
Is the truck Euro 6-compliant and registered before key deadlines (e.g. 2025)?
Does the vehicle come with full emissions and service documentation?
What’s the long-term plan for ZEZ compliance after 2030?
Could a First Choice vehicle (under 5 years old, full history, warranty) offer added value or peace of mind?
With LEZs and ZEZs reshaping the European transport landscape, timing and registration dates are becoming just as important as emissions standards themselves. For many businesses, the smartest next move isn’t a brand-new truck or a long wait for electric — it’s a high-quality, nearly new used truck that can still go where you need it to go.
1–2-year-old trucks offer flexibility, compliance, and real value — and they’re available now at dafusedtrucks.com.
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