Environmental sticker Germany: which cars are required?

German environmental sticker: which cars need one to enter low-emission zones? Without the correct sticker, you are not allowed to enter many German cities. By law, entering these zones without a valid sticker is prohibited – for both German and foreign vehicles. The sticker shows your car's emission class and determines whether you are allowed into an environmental zone. Older diesel cars without a particulate filter, in particular, are excluded to improve air quality. So, check in advance whether your vehicle meets the requirements and which environmental sticker you need.

What is an environmental sticker and for which cars is it important?

The environmental sticker, also known as the "Feinstaubplakette," is a colored sticker for your windshield that indicates your car's emissions class and determines whether you are permitted to enter German low-emission zones . The legal basis (Section 35 of the BImSchV) allows municipalities to establish low-emission zones to improve air quality by reducing particulate matter pollution. Only vehicles with the correct sticker are permitted access , unless they fall under a legal exemption.

Which cars get a green environmental sticker in Germany?

The green environmental sticker is required for almost all German low-emission zones and is awarded based on the vehicle's emissions standard. The criteria are:

• Petrol, LPG and hybrid vehicles: will receive a green sticker if they meet at least the Euro 1 standard (usually from 1993 onwards).
• Diesel vehicles: must meet at least the Euro 4 standard. Euro 3 diesels with a particulate filter are sometimes also eligible.
• Electric vehicles: in principle, they receive a green sticker because they do not cause any emissions.

The emission class is listed on your vehicle registration certificate. For foreign vehicles, the classification is determined using comparable documents, such as the Certificate of Conformity (CVO).

Which vehicles do not require a sticker?

Some vehicles are exempt from the sticker requirement:

• The German environmental sticker is not required for a classic car, provided it has an official H license plate or red 07 license plate.
• Motorcycles, scooters and trikes.
• Special vehicles such as police, fire and rescue services.
• Vehicles with an EU parking card for people with disabilities, although the rules may vary per municipality.

What colors are there – and which are still valid?

In Germany, a distinction is made between different colours of environmental stickers , depending on the emission class of the vehicle.

• Green: For Euro 4 (diesel) / Euro 1 (petrol) or better; this is valid in all low-emission zones.
• Yellow & Red: These have been abolished almost everywhere and no longer allow access to low-emission zones.
• Blue: Has been discussed for years as a future sticker for particularly clean vehicles, such as Euro 6 and electric cars, but has not yet been introduced.

Nowadays, only the green sticker is important.

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In which cities is the environmental sticker mandatory?

There are currently 36 environmental zones in Germany (as of 2025), primarily in major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Hamburg. Because new zones may be added, it is advisable to consult the current list from the Federal Environmental Agency before traveling.

What fine do you risk without a valid sticker?

Driving without a valid sticker in an environmental zone is an administrative violation that can result in an €80 fine . Both the police and license plate scanners conduct checks, and the rules also apply to foreign drivers.

How do I find out if my car is suitable?

You can easily check whether your car is eligible for an environmental sticker.

1. Enter your license plate number.
2. Our experts perform a manual classification.
3. The appropriate sticker will be assigned to you based on your vehicle data.

You can choose free standard shipping (2-4 business days) or express shipping with track & trace for an additional charge.

How do I apply the sticker correctly?

The sticker must be applied to the inside of your windshield, on the lower right side of the passenger side. Ensure the windshield is clean, dry, and free of grease before applying the sticker. Note: Once applied, the sticker cannot be transferred or repositioned. If you want to know which vehicle requires an environmental sticker in Germany , always check your vehicle's emissions class before ordering a sticker.

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FAQ: Which car needs an environmental sticker in Germany?

Which environmental sticker do I need for my car in Germany?

The sticker you need depends on your vehicle's Euro standard, fuel type, and year of manufacture. The green sticker is usually required for unrestricted access to all low-emission zones.

How do I find out which Euro standard my car has?

Your vehicle's Euro standard is listed in Part I of the vehicle registration certificate (field 14.1 or 14). This information is used to determine the correct sticker for your car.

Which sticker applies to diesel cars in Germany?

Diesel cars require a green sticker if their vehicle meets at least the Euro 4 standard. Older diesels with Euro 3 may also be eligible if they have a particulate filter.

Can I drive in low-emission zones in Berlin or Cologne without a sticker?

No, it's prohibited to enter low-emission zones like those in Berlin or Cologne without a valid environmental sticker. If you do, you risk an €80 fine.

Which environmental sticker does a petrol car from 2005 get?

A petrol car from 2005 usually receives the green environmental sticker because it meets the Euro 4 standard. This gives you free access to all German low-emission zones.

How does the scheme work for rental cars or leased vehicles?

For rental or leased cars, the vehicle owner, the rental company, is responsible for the environmental sticker. Before leaving, check whether the car already has a valid sticker.

Do cars with Dutch license plates also receive an environmental sticker?

Yes, the sticker requirement applies to all vehicles, including cars with Dutch license plates. You can easily request the sticker online using your vehicle registration information.

Can I find the correct sticker based on my license plate?

The license plate alone isn't enough to determine the correct sticker; it serves only as identification. The technical specifications in your vehicle documents, particularly the Euro standard, are decisive.

Do I need the same environmental sticker throughout Germany?

Yes, the green environmental sticker is valid in all German low-emission zones, which simplifies the process. With a single green sticker, you can enter any low-emission zone throughout Germany.