What the Z Icon on Google Maps Reveals About Low-Emission Zones
The little Z on Google Maps signals a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), usually in Europe, where vehicles must meet certain emission standards. When planning a route, Maps highlights LEZs it encounters, may provide a link with more information, or offer an alternate route to avoid the zone; the feature, introduced in June 2021, helps reduce pollution and cannot be turned off, though users can steer clear of LEZs or use Waze for different map layers. Some U.S. areas are testing similar Zero-Emission Delivery Zones (ZEDs).