German Emissions Sticker In 2024

Low Emission Zones In German Cities

Most large cities in Germany have low emissions zones referred to as “Umweltzone”. In these zones, an emissions sticker called an Umweltplakette in German, is mandatory.

Berlin was the first city to introduce it, on January 1, 2008, with more cities following later. Now, all major cities throughout Germany have a low emission zone with more than 50 of these environmental zones in total today. You will know if you're about to enter one of the low emission zones as they are marked with traffic signs that read Umweltzone. We’ve included an example of this notification below.

Low emission zones were designed to restrict access for the most polluting vehicles to help improve air quality. They help protect public health by reducing harmful road traffic emissions. These environmental zones accept or ban vehicles based on their sticker. Initially, there were three different coloured stickers that would allow driving into these zones: yellow, red, and green. Now, only vehicles with a green sticker are allowed. Vehicles that have failed to qualify for a sticker of any colour, are not permitted to travel within any of Germany’s environmental zones.

In February 2018, Germany's highest court decided that German cities and states are permitted to ban vehicles with older, polluting diesel engines. Currently, there is a German diesel ban in the following cities:

More cities are expected to introduce a diesel ban. This includes the below mentioned major cities:

• Aachen
• Bonn
• Dresden
• Düsseldorf
• Frankfurt
• Cologne (Köln)
• Leipzig
• Osnabrück

The German Emissions Sticker

The German emissions sticker is affixed to the inside of your windshield (windscreen) so that the license plate number and green side are visible. It shows that the vehicle's particle emissions fall below a certain level. Vehicles that do not have an emission sticker cannot drive into low emission zones. Those who drive into these "green zone" areas are violating the law which results in a fine and possibly towing outside of the zone.

Neu-Ulm in Bavaria was the last city to allow yellow stickers. From June 2024, only vehicles with green stickers are allowed to drive in its low emission zones. As a result, only green stickers are now allowed in low emission zones in Germany's cities.

Types of German Emissions Stickers

As mentioned previously, green, yellow, and red stickers were all available initially, but the red and yellow sticker are no longer in use. The green sticker, which is sometimes referred to as a vignette, is accepted throughout Germany. You are also allowed to use the German green badge in the Spanish environmental zones.

How long is the sticker valid after purchase?

Generally, the sticker is valid as long as your vehicle's license plate is clearly readable and/or until the rules change. For example, your car might have a green sticker now, but it is possible that under new rules it wouldn't qualify. An older diesel vehicle is at the highest risk.

Where do I attach the German Sticker?

The best place to attach the German sticker is on the right side of your vehicle's windshield (passenger side) at the bottom (for UK cars it would be on the left). A few things to keep in mind:

• The sticker should be clearly visible from the outside
• Make sure your windshield is clean when attaching the sticker
• Ensure that the license plate details are correct before submitting the order

Fines for Driving without a German Vignette

If you drive into a low emission zone and your vehicle does not have a German emissions sticker, you will be fined €100. If you enter a zone that requires a green emissions sticker and your vehicle has a yellow or red sticker, the fine is also €100.

FAQ

Do motorcycles need a German emissions sticker?

No, motorcycles do NOT need a German emissions sticker to enter low emission zones in Germany.

Can I use the emissions sticker from a rental car?

No, emissions stickers are vehicle-specific and cannot be transferred from one vehicle to another, including rental cars.

What happens if I lose my emissions sticker?

If you lose your emissions sticker, you must purchase a new one as it is not possible to replace it without buying a new one.

Are foreign vehicles required to have a German emissions sticker?

Yes, foreign vehicles are also required to have a German emissions sticker when entering low emission zones in Germany.

Is the emissions sticker required on highways or just in city centres?

The emissions sticker is only required in designated low emission zones, which are typically in city centres and not on highways. It's important to pay close attention to avoid entering an emission zone without realising it as some drivers have done in the past.

How can I check if a city I plan to visit has a low emission zone?

You can check online on official city websites or through resources that list all the cities with low emission zones in Germany.

Do electric vehicles need an emissions sticker?

Yes, even electric vehicles must display a green emissions sticker to enter low emission zones in Germany.

Are there exemptions for classic cars or vintage vehicles?

Yes, there are exemptions for classic cars, typically those registered as historic vehicles (with an "H" license plate) in Germany.

What is the cost of the emissions sticker if purchased in Germany?

The cost of the emissions sticker when purchased in Germany can vary but typically ranges between €5 and €10.

Can I be fined for having an incorrect or invalid emissions sticker?

Yes, if your vehicle has an incorrect or invalid emissions sticker, you can be fined €100, which is the same fine for not having a sticker at all.

Low Emission Zones In Neighbouring Countries

Netherlands

Belgium

Luxembourg

France

Switzerland

Austria

Poland

Denmark

Czech Republic