Low emission zones in Germany – what do you need to know?

In this view you will find the German environmental zones.

Numerous so-called environmental zones exist in Germany , intended to improve air quality in urban areas. Within these zones, vehicles may only be driven with a valid environmental sticker (German: "Umweltplakette"). This requirement applies to most passenger cars, campers, trucks, and buses – regardless of whether they originate from Germany itself or, for example, the Netherlands. Exceptions may apply to certain vehicle categories such as motorcycles, three-wheelers, or classic cars.

What are environmental zones 4 in Germany?

Low-emission zones are areas demarcated by municipalities where access is permitted only to vehicles that meet certain emission standards. The goal is to reduce air pollution, particularly particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.

Who does this apply to?

All vehicles entering a low-emission zone—from passenger cars to campers—are subject to this requirement. Dutch tourists and business travelers are also required to obtain a valid sticker in advance.

Does this also apply to Dutch holidaymakers?

Yes. Without the correct sticker, you risk a fine. Therefore, it's important to check in advance which German environmental sticker you need for your vehicle.

Karte

This image became
created and made available by the "Federal Environmental Service -
Status February 2018".

Scroll down for a list of all environmental zones.

Buy an environmental sticker
Lehrtafeln

Current environmental zones in Germany:

Aachen, Augsburg, Balingen, Berlin, Bochum, Bonn, Bottrop, Bremen, Castrop, Darmstadt,
Dinslaken, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Eschweiler, Essen, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Gelsenkirchen, Gladbeck, Hagen, Halle, Hannover, Heidelberg, Heidenheim, Heilbronn, Herne, Herrenberg, Herten, Ilsfeld, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Krefeld, Langenfeld, Leipzig, Hemmingen, Limburg, Ludwigsburg, Magdeburg, Mainz, Mannheim, Marburg, Mönchengladbach, Mühlacker,
Mühlheim, Munich, Münster, Neu-Ulm, Neuss, Oberhausen, Offenbach, Osnabrück, Oberath, Pfinztal, Pforzheim, Recklinghausen, Regensburg, Remscheid, Reutlingen, Ruhrgebiet, Schramberg,
Schwäbisch Gmünd, Siegen, Stuttgart, Tübingen, Ulm, Urbach, Wendlingen, Wiesbaden, Wuppertal….

And new environmental zones are constantly being added. Play it safe and order your environmental sticker now.

to order

Which sticker is required in the low emission zones?

The green sticker for Germany is mandatory within all environmental zones.

  • Green environmental sticker:
    Applies to vehicles with Euro 4, 5, or 6 standards and electric vehicles. This sticker is attached to the inside of the windshield.
  • E-sticker for foreign electric vehicles:
    This optional sticker provides access to additional benefits such as free parking or use of bus lanes. However, the green sticker remains mandatory, even for electric cars from the Netherlands.
  • Access control:
    Only the green sticker is accepted in low-emission zones. The blue E-sticker is merely a supplementary designation and does not replace the green one.
Buy a green environmental sticker
Straßenszene in Berlin mit Umweltzone, fahrenden Autos und einer kleineren, realistisch proportionierten grünen Umweltplakette auf der Windschutzscheibe

Low-emission zones for special vehicles (camper, hybrid, electric car)

Not only ordinary passenger cars are subject to the rules.

  • Campers and bus campers:
    These vehicles are often larger and heavier, but they must also meet the requirements. The correct sticker depends on the emission class stated in the vehicle registration document.
  • Hybrid vehicles with combustion engines:
    Plug-in hybrids that run partly on gasoline or diesel are usually eligible for a green sticker. They are not automatically considered emission-free.
  • Fully electric vehicles (BEV):
    Fully electric cars from the Netherlands also require a green sticker. The blue E-sticker for Germany is optional for additional benefits, but not sufficient as the only sticker.
Buy E-Plakette for Germany

This is how you receive the correct environmental sticker for Germany

Requesting the correct sticker is simple, fast and reliable.

  • Order process:
    You can order your environmental sticker online in advance – completely in Dutch, without unnecessary forms.
  • What information is required?
    We retrieve the vehicle data directly from the Dutch system. You generally don't need to upload any documents. We will only contact you in exceptional circumstances.
  • Delivery and validity:
    The sticker will be delivered within a few days. As long as your license plate and emission class remain unchanged, it remains valid indefinitely.

FAQ about environmental zones in Germany

Where do environmental zones apply in Germany?

Low-emission zones are primarily in effect in larger German cities and urban areas. The low-emission zone map for Germany shows exactly where these zones are active. In rural areas or smaller municipalities, there are generally no environmental restrictions.

Do I need an environmental sticker if I only drive through an environmental zone?

Yes, a valid environmental sticker is also required to drive through low-emission zones in Germany. Checks are often automatic via cameras, so even on short trips without a stop, you risk a fine for Germany without an environmental sticker .

Which environmental sticker is required for electric cars?

Electric vehicles require a green environmental sticker to enter German low-emission zones. Drivers of foreign electric vehicles can also apply for a blue E-sticker, which provides access to local benefits such as free parking.