Current low-emission zones · Germany

Check Germany's low-emission zones interactively

Search for your destination, explore active low-emission zones directly on the map and then check which environmental sticker your vehicle needs.

✓ UBA geodata✓ Interactive map✓ Multilingual check
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Active low-emission zones at a glance

Select a low-emission zone to display it on the map and view more information.

Why check the low-emission zone before travelling?

01

Clarify access in advance

Many German low-emission zones require vehicles to display a valid environmental sticker. Checking before your trip can help avoid unnecessary detours.

02

Our own UBA map data

The zone boundaries are loaded from our locally stored German Environment Agency dataset, without sending visitors to third-party low-emission-zone portals.

03

Continue straight to the vehicle assistant

After checking your destination, you can check your vehicle directly and order the appropriate environmental sticker.

Note: Low-emission zones and local traffic rules can change. Always follow current road signs and the official rules of the responsible authorities.

Environmental zones in Germany – what do you need to know?

Berlijn Hamburg Keulen München Düsseldorf Frankfurt Bremen Dortmund Leipzig Stuttgart Dresden Essen Duisburg Neurenberg

There are numerous so-called environmental zones in Germany, which are intended to improve air quality in urban areas. Within these zones, vehicles may only drive with a valid environmental sticker (German: "Umweltplakette"). This requirement applies to most passenger cars, motorhomes, trucks, and buses – regardless of whether they come from Germany itself or, for example, from the Netherlands. Exceptions may apply to certain vehicle categories such as motorcycles, tricycles, or classic cars.

What are environmental zones 4 Germany?

Environmental zones are areas designated by municipalities where access is only permitted for vehicles that meet specific emission standards. The goal is to reduce air pollution, particularly particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.

Who does this apply to?

All vehicles wishing to enter an environmental zone – from passenger cars to motorhomes – are subject to this requirement. Dutch tourists and business travellers are also obliged to purchase a valid sticker in advance.

Does this also apply to Dutch holidaymakers?

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

Karte

Where are environmental zones in Germany?

Environmental zones are mainly found in larger cities and urban regions. An environmental zone map for Germany provides a clear overview of all active areas.

Overview of environmental zones in Germany:

The main cities with active environmental zones include:

  • Berlin
  • Munich
  • Cologne
  • Frankfurt am Main
  • Düsseldorf
  • Stuttgart
  • And more than 80 other municipalities (as of 2025)

Environmental zones in Germany: map and prior check

Interactive maps allow drivers to easily see if their route or destination falls within an environmental zone. This way, you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Changes in the zones

Some cities have abolished their zones (such as Hanover, Mannheim or Freiburg), while others are expanding them. Therefore, regularly check the current map of environmental zones in Germany online.

Which sticker is required in the environmental zones?

Within all environmental zones, the green
sticker for Germany is mandatory.

  • Green environmental sticker:
    Applies to vehicles with Euro 4, 5 or 6 standard and electric vehicles. This sticker is affixed to the inside of the windscreen.
  • E-sticker for foreign electric vehicles:
    This optional sticker grants access to additional benefits such as free parking or use of bus lanes. Nevertheless, the green sticker remains mandatory, even for electric cars from the Netherlands.
  • Access control:
    Only the green sticker is accepted in the environmental zones. The blue E-sticker is merely an additional indicator and does not replace the green one.
Buy a green environmental sticker

What happens without a valid environmental sticker?

Ignoring the sticker requirement has clear consequences.

  • Fines and penalties:
    Anyone driving in an environmental zone without a valid sticker risks a fine of at least 80 to 100 euros. In certain cases, additional measures, such as a temporary driving ban, are possible.
  • Enforcement by cameras and police:
    Enforcement is carried out both manually by the police and through automated systems.
  • No leniency for ignorance:
    Even those unaware of the requirement will be fined. Ignorance is not accepted as an excuse.
Straßenszene in Frankfurt mit Umweltzone, Autos die von rechts nach links fahren und einer ungehinderten Sicht auf die charakteristische Frankfurter Skyline mit Hochhäusern direkt im Hintergrund

Environmental zones for special vehicles (Camper, hybrid, electric car)

Not only regular passenger cars are subject to the rules.

  • Motorhomes and campervans:
    These vehicles are often larger and heavier, but must also meet the requirements. The correct sticker depends on the emission class stated in the vehicle registration certificate.
  • Hybrid vehicles with internal combustion engines:
    Plug-in hybrids that run partly on petrol or diesel are usually entitled to a green sticker. They are not automatically considered emission-free.
  • Fully electric vehicles (BEV):
    Fully electric cars from the Netherlands also need a green sticker. The blue E-badge for Germany is optional for additional benefits, but not sufficient as the only sticker.
Buy an E-sticker for Germany

How to get the right environmental sticker for Germany

Ordering the correct sticker is easy, fast, and reliable.

  • Ordering Process:
    You can order your environmental sticker online in advance – completely in Dutch, without unnecessary forms.
  • What information is needed?
    We retrieve the vehicle data directly from the Dutch system. You typically don't need to upload any documents. We will only contact you in exceptional cases.
  • Delivery and Validity:
    The sticker will be delivered within a few days. It is valid indefinitely as long as your license plate and emission class remain unchanged.

FAQ about environmental zones in Germany

Where are environmental zones in Germany?

Environmental zones are mainly found in larger German cities and urban regions. On the environmental zone map for Germany, you can see exactly where these zones are active. In rural areas or smaller municipalities, there are usually no environmental restrictions in force.

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

Yes, a valid environmental badge is also mandatory for driving through low emission zones in Germany. Checks are often automated via cameras, so even on short trips without stopping, you risk a fine without the environmental badge for Germany.

Which environmental sticker is mandatory for electric cars?

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