Where should the environmental sticker be placed in Germany?
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The German environmental sticker, also known as a particulate matter sticker, is mandatory for driving in many German inner cities. But where should it be placed ? The law prescribes a specific location: on the inside of the windshield at the bottom right, on the passenger side. An incorrectly placed sticker is considered invalid, which can result in a fine, even if the sticker itself is valid. Visibility and the correct position are therefore crucial.
Why is the correct placement of the environmental sticker so important?
In Germany, an environmental sticker is mandatory for driving in designated low-emission zones. For the sticker to be valid, it must be correctly and visibly affixed . Legal regulations stipulate that the sticker must be clearly visible from the outside on the inside of the windshield, ideally on the lower right side of the passenger side. Anyone who attaches the sticker in the wrong place, or even on the outside of the windshield, risks it being considered invalid and thus being legally treated as if no sticker were present. This can result in a fine.
Why is correct placement crucial?
Correctly displaying the German environmental sticker is not a recommendation, but a legal requirement. Ignoring this rule can have both financial and practical consequences during a check in a German city.
Avoid fines and legal consequences
According to Section 2, paragraph 1, of the 35th BImSchV (German Federal Immission Protection Act) , displaying a valid environmental sticker is mandatory when entering an environmental zone. Failure to display the sticker – or displaying it incorrectly – may result in a fine, according to the fines catalogue.
Safety and visibility
Correct placement not only guarantees validity but also promotes road safety. It's also important that the sticker is clearly visible to enforcement agencies from outside, without obstructing your field of vision as a driver.
Step-by-step guide for correct application
Applying the environmental sticker is simple, but requires care. Once applied, a sticker cannot be repositioned . Follow these steps for a correct and durable result.
Preparing the window
For optimal adhesion, the window must be completely clean, dry, and free of grease. Use a cloth with glass cleaner to thoroughly clean the surface. The ideal outdoor temperature for application is at least 10°C, as the adhesive will not adhere as well at lower temperatures.
Determining the position
The official and recommended position is in the lower right corner of the windshield, as viewed from the driver's seat (passenger side). First, hold the sticker against the windshield without removing the film to determine the exact location. Make sure the sticker doesn't obstruct traffic visibility.
The application
Carefully remove the protective film from the sticker. Touch the adhesive side as little as possible and hold the sticker by the edges. Now, apply the sticker to the inside of the window, avoiding any bubbles, and press firmly. Once applied, the sticker cannot be repositioned; if it is placed crookedly, a new sticker will be required.
What to do after an incorrect placement?
A sticker that has been incorrectly applied or needs to be removed is not reusable. The sticker is designed to break upon removal. Therefore, a new environmental sticker is always required in the event of incorrect application, window replacement, or a change of registration number. An old sticker may never be transferred to another vehicle.
Short checklist for who and where you need to place the environmental sticker in Germany
Before you finally apply the sticker, check the following points :
- Window cleaned?
- Temperature above 10 °C?
- Sticker inside, bottom right (passenger side)?
- No air bubbles and applied correctly?
- New sticker when changing window or license plate?
By following these steps, you can be sure that your sticker is applied correctly and that you can enter German low-emission zones without any worries.
Order your environmental sticker now – quick and easy
Correct placement of the environmental sticker is legally required and essential to avoid fines in German low-emission zones. An incorrectly placed sticker is invalid . Therefore, always choose the only recommended position: the passenger side, on the lower right side of the inside window. If you made a mistake, have a new windshield, or a new license plate, request a new, valid green environmental sticker in a timely manner.
FAQ about the placement of the environmental sticker for Germany
Where exactly do I need to affix the environmental sticker in Germany?
The sticker must be placed on the inside of your windshield, in the lower right corner on the passenger side. This position ensures that enforcement officials can clearly see the sticker without obstructing your view as the driver.
Is the environmental sticker placed on the inside or outside of the windscreen?
The environmental sticker must always be placed on the inside of the windshield. A sticker placed on the outside is considered invalid and may result in a fine.
Will I be fined if the environmental sticker is incorrectly applied?
Yes, an incorrectly placed sticker is considered invalid, even if it's the correct sticker for your vehicle. You risk a fine of €80, the same amount as driving without an environmental sticker in an environmental zone.
Can I also affix the sticker to a rental car?
You may only affix a sticker to a rental car with the express permission of the rental company. Ideally, rent a vehicle that already has the correct sticker. Applying a sticker yourself can lead to problems or costs when returning the car.
Do I need to buy a new environmental sticker if I have a new windshield?
Yes, if you get a new windshield, you must also purchase a new environmental sticker. The old sticker is designed to break upon removal and therefore cannot be transferred. The same applies if your vehicle gets a new license plate, as the license plate number on the sticker must match that of the vehicle.