What does the “Z” symbol mean on Google Maps?

Knowing when an app is trying to tell you something isn’t always easy. Technology companies often rely on icons to alert users to certain information (for example, the half-moon symbol on an iPhone), but this information is not conveyed correctly if the user does not know what the symbol means. On Google Maps, users may see a “Z” symbol when navigating. It appears in a small circle next to the journey time when a route is open and meets an ecological objective.

If you see a small Z symbol when using Google Maps, it means you have entered a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Typically found in European countries such as France, Spain and Germany, they are more common in areas where certain vehicles may face driving restrictions due to regional emission standards. Vehicles that exceed these standards may be subject to penalties in these zones, but Google Maps can provide more information about the area or help users bypass them altogether.

Those in the US may be waiting for this feature, as LEZ zones are usually reserved for EU regions. However, some regions of the United States are slowly moving toward zero-emission delivery zones (ZEDs), which can be found in some major cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Although the Z symbol is not a hidden feature of Google Maps, users may still be surprised when they see it.

In June 2021, Google Maps began providing Low Emission Zone alerts for regions that have green restrictions to help users know when they enter these zones. Typically, these zones require cars to meet certain emission standards: if a vehicle produces too much, it can be fined or even banned from driving on a LEZ road altogether. Google Maps provides users with information about these areas in different ways.

How it works: Every time a user adds their destination to Google Maps, the app will highlight LEZ zones if a route is one of them. If a route is entirely within a LEZ zone, Google Maps can provide users with a web link with more information (and you can see the Z during your route). If a destination is outside of a LEZ but the route crosses it, Google Maps can suggest an alternative route.

For what it’s worth, regions like the EU rely on these zones due to the significant environmental health risks posed by pollutants, and the region is trying to reduce air pollutants by 2030. LEZ zones can greatly contribute to this effort. Unfortunately, users can’t turn the feature off, but they can avoid these areas before starting a route. Some Reddit users also recommend using Waze, which offers map layers showing these areas. For some, this may be another reason why Waze is better than Google Maps.