Euro 5 diesel: ban extended to 2026 due to restrictions in Northern Italy — what changes this will have for consumers, the used car market, repair shops, and the impact on automotive costs and practices.
📋 Article Index
Updated 08/18/2025 • Based on official ARPA regulations and institutional press conferences
✅ Introduction
The extension of the ban on Euro 5 diesel vehicles in the areas surrounding Northeast Italy until 2026 has been confirmed. This measure allows owners to more easily update their vehicles or perform maintenance such as AdBlue. In this article, we explain what changes are in place, where they apply, and what the implications are for the market, consumers, and repair shops.
⌛ Extension Details
- What it includes: an end to the ban on access to Euro 5 diesel vehicles until December 31, 2026.
- Reason: Extra time for families and workshops to adapt to new regulations and the used car market.
- Applicable legislation: regional ARPA decree + ministerial updates on sustainable mobility.
🗺 Regions affected
- Lombardy: Milan, Bergamo, Brescia — extension valid until the end of 2026.
- Veneto and Piedmont (selected urban areas): extension pending confirmation.
- National diffusion: other regions are evaluating similar interventions in their air quality plans.
⚠ Impacts on the market and consumers
- Used Euro 5 Diesel: smaller price drop, longer time to sell or trade.
- Transport companies: potential savings in fleet turnover through 2026.
- Private consumers: more planning leeway when purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle.
- Garages: peak in requests for retrofits and AdBlue in the two-year period 2025-2026.
🔧 Solutions & retrofits (E.g. AdBlue)
To understand how to overcome the limitations, we evaluate two technical solutions:
💰 Average costs and workshop times
| Intervention | Action | Approximate cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdBlue system installation | Filter + tank + injector | €700–€1,200 | 1–2 days |
| Post-intervention emissions check | Diagnosis + bench test | €80–€150 | 1–2 hours |
*Indicative rates excluding VAT; may vary by workshop and availability.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which Euro 5 vehicles are affected by the extension?
All Euro 5 diesel vehicles registered before the ban in the Northern Italian regions (Lombardy and surrounding areas).
What is the difference between a freeze and an extension?
The lockdown prevents movement, while the extension allows travel until 2026, giving time for adjustments.
Does AdBlue turn a Euro 5 into a superior one?
No, but it improves emissions, allowing you to comply with temporary limits. A post-intervention approval or technical inspection is still required.
📌 Conclusions
The extension to 2026 for Euro 5 diesel vehicles offers relief to those who need to replace vehicles or service them. Technical solutions (such as AdBlue) and workshop interventions can extend the vehicle's useful life, but it's important to act promptly to avoid future bans or fines.
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