Which cities require an environmental sticker in Germany?

Where is the environmental sticker mandatory in Germany?

In Germany, so-called "Umweltzonen" (environmental zones) have been introduced to improve air quality. These zones may only be entered by vehicles displaying a valid environmental sticker. The measure is intended to limit emissions of harmful substances, especially particulate matter.

But who is required to have an environmental sticker in Germany?
All passenger cars, campers, vans, trucks, and buses that want to cross German low-emission zones must have an environmental sticker. This also applies to vehicles with foreign license plates.

Please note: Without a sticker, you risk a fine of at least €80, regardless of whether you enter a zone intentionally or unintentionally. Police and municipal enforcement officers actively monitor this.

Environmental sticker Germany: for which cities is it mandatory?

There are currently (as of August 2025) 36 active low-emission zones in Germany. These are primarily located in large cities and urban areas. Below is an overview of major cities where you are not permitted to drive without an environmental sticker.

Berlin

The entire city center falls within the low-emission zone, and entry is prohibited without a green sticker. Busy areas like the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz also fall within this zone, requiring strict enforcement.

Cologne

The entire city center is part of the zone, and an environmental sticker is required. Because Cologne is a major traffic hub, the rules are strictly enforced here.

Düsseldorf

Both the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods are part of the low-emission zone. A green German sticker is therefore essential for commuters and visitors to enter the city.

Frankfurt am Main

The low-emission zone encompasses the entire city center, including the financial district. Without a sticker, you risk a fine and will be unable to enter the city center.

Munich

Within the "Mittlerer Ring" (Midden Ring), an environmental sticker is mandatory. This applies to the entire city center, where many attractions and businesses are located.

Stuttgart

In addition to the low-emission zone, the city also has additional diesel bans. Older vehicles, in particular, are severely restricted here to improve air quality.

Other cities with environmental zones (selection)

There are other cities where you can  Where you need an environmental sticker: Aachen, Augsburg, Bonn, Bremen, Darmstadt, Dortmund, Essen, Leipzig, Mannheim, Nuremberg, Wiesbaden, and Wuppertal. Cities in the Ruhr area, such as Bochum, Duisburg, Gelsenkirchen, Mülheim, Oberhausen, and Recklinghausen, also have environmental zones.

Want to know which cities require a German environmental sticker ? This list provides a good overview. Please note that some cities are abolishing or adjusting their zones. For example, the low-emission zone in Mainz will be abolished as of October 1, 2025; Hannover, Heidelberg, and Karlsruhe have already abolished their zones.

Are there also cities without an environmental sticker requirement?

Yes, there are many regions in Germany where no environmental zone applies. These are usually rural areas and smaller towns. Many coastal regions, such as those along the North Sea or in the Alps, also have no vehicle restrictions.

However, you must remain vigilant: municipalities can introduce new German environmental zones or expand existing ones at any time.
A current check before departure is therefore recommended.

Not sure which German cities require an environmental sticker? It's advisable to check your route and planned stops beforehand.

Order your environmental sticker for Germany now

You can easily order the correct environmental sticker online.
Shipping is fast, and the application is suitable for vehicles with foreign license plates.
Please allow for processing time – ideally order a few days before departure.

Want to know which cities in Germany require an environmental sticker? Then it's crucial to act promptly – only with the right preparation can you avoid fines and unnecessary detours.