Green sticker Germany

The green environmental sticker for Germany is a legally required access pass for vehicles wishing to enter the so-called "Umweltzones" (environmental zones) in many German cities. These environmental zones were established by the government to protect air quality and limit particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions.

For foreign road users – including tourists, business travelers, and transport companies – it is crucial to check in advance whether their vehicle is eligible for this environmental sticker. Without a valid green sticker, entering these zones is prohibited, which can result in a fine if checked.

What is the green car sticker for Germany?

The green environmental sticker is an official, color-coded sticker that is visibly affixed to the inside of a vehicle's windshield. This sticker indicates the vehicle's emissions class and serves as the basis for admission to low-emission zones in numerous German cities.

In practice, this means that only vehicles with a green environmental sticker are authorized to enter these zones. Red and yellow stickers were also in use in the past, but have since been abolished in almost all municipalities and no longer grant access to Germany's low-emission zones .

The green sticker is therefore the only currently valid entry document for driving in low-emission zones in Germany.

Why is the green environmental sticker mandatory?

The purpose of the green environmental sticker is to protect air quality in urban areas in Germany. Since 2007, Section 40 of the German Immission Prevention Act, in conjunction with the 35th BImSchV (Environmental Protection Act), has permitted cities and municipalities to establish so-called "Umweltzones."

Only vehicles equipped with a valid environmental sticker are permitted in these zones. The green sticker is the only one still recognized. Municipalities establish these environmental zones by general ordinance or administrative decree. Only low-emission vehicles – those that meet certain emission classes – are permitted to enter these zones.

Anyone entering an environmental zone without a valid green environmental sticker violates the regulations and risks a €100 fine. The penalty is laid down in German road traffic law, based on Section 41, paragraph 1, in conjunction with Appendix 2, traffic sign 270.1 of the StVO (Road Traffic Regulations), as well as Section 49, paragraph 3, no. 4, StVO, Section 24 of the StVG (Road Traffic Act), and under number 153600, the Bußgeldkatalog (BKatV).

According to the latest data from the German Federal Environmental Agency, there are currently 37 active environmental zones in Germany (as of August 1, 2024).

For which vehicles is the green environmental sticker available?

The green environmental sticker for Germany depends on the vehicle's emissions class . The technical specifications in the vehicle registration document are decisive – not just the year of manufacture.

The following vehicle categories are eligible:

• Petrol, LPG and hybrid vehicles : Vehicles with a regulated catalytic converter (EURO 1 or higher) – usually with an initial registration from 1993 onwards.
  
  
• Diesel vehicles
  
  Diesel cars with EURO 4 , EURO 5 or EURO 6 standards are eligible for the green sticker.
  
  Vehicles with EURO 3 can obtain the sticker, provided they are equipped with an approved particulate filter that meets the requirements for particulate matter reduction.
  
  Note: The emission code in the vehicle registration document is decisive, not the year of manufacture. In practice, EURO 4 usually corresponds to vehicles manufactured from 2005/2006 onwards.
  
  
• Fully electric vehicles: Electric vehicles are automatically awarded the green environmental sticker , as they are locally emission-free. These vehicles are also subject to the so-called E-Plakette for Germany , which confirms their emission-free status and grants them access to all low-emission zones.

Exceptions to the requirement to display a German green sticker

Certain vehicle categories are subject to exceptions to the general requirement to display a green environmental sticker when entering German low-emission zones. These exceptions are stipulated in regulations and apply throughout Germany or at the local level.

• Classic cars with historic status: Vehicles with a German H license plate or a red 07 registration are exempt from the sticker requirement. They may continue to enter low-emission zones, even without an environmental sticker, provided they are recognized as historic vehicles.
  
  
• Motorcycles and scooters: Two-wheeled motor vehicles are completely exempt from the sticker requirement. They may enter all environmental zones without an environmental sticker.
  
  
• Emergency service vehicles: Vehicles of the fire brigade, ambulance, police and other public emergency services are also exempt from the obligation.
  
  
• Vehicles belonging to people with an EU parking card for people with disabilities: In many German cities, there are additional exemptions for vehicles belonging to people with a valid EU parking card with the blue wheelchair symbol. Depending on local regulations, these vehicles are often permitted to enter an environmental zone without an environmental sticker. Drivers are advised to check the regulations in their respective city or municipality beforehand.

How can I buy the green environmental sticker for Germany online?

You can order the green sticker for Germany through our official website – easy, secure, and with multiple shipping options. The ordering process is as follows:

The ordering process is as follows:

1. Enter license plate number: Enter your vehicle's license plate number. The vehicle data and emission class are assessed manually by our experienced and qualified team.
   
   
2. Automatic assessment: Based on the technical data, it is determined whether your vehicle meets the emissions requirements and which sticker class applies.
   
   
3. Payment options:
   You can pay securely via iDEAL, PayPal, credit card, Klarna or bank transfer (prepayment) .
   
   
4. Price
   The cost is €9.99 per sticker, including VAT.
   
   
5. Shipping options
   
   Standard shipping by post : free delivery within 2–4 business days
   
   Shipping with track & trace : available for an additional charge, also within 2–4 business days
   
   Express Shipping : Delivery within 1–2 business days possible; if you order before 12:00, the chance of delivery the next business day is 99%.

How do I correctly apply the green environmental sticker?

To ensure the readability and adhesion of the environmental sticker, it is important to apply it carefully and according to the instructions. Please note the following instructions:

• Clean the inside of the windshield thoroughly: Remove dust, grease, and condensation residue from the area where the sticker will be placed so that it adheres properly.
  
  
• Place the sticker on the inside bottom right (passenger side): The green side must face outwards and remain clearly visible for inspection.
  
  
• Apply the sticker at a temperature of at least 10 °C: Temperatures that are too low can adversely affect the adhesive strength.
  
  
• Please note: the sticker is not reusable. Once applied, the environmental sticker cannot be repositioned or reused. A new sticker is required if you replace your windshield or change your license plate.

Validity and use of the green environmental sticker for Germany

The green environmental sticker is inextricably linked to the vehicle's registration number . As long as the vehicle retains its original registration number and the windshield is not replaced, the sticker remains valid indefinitely . Therefore, there is no expiration date or periodic renewal required.

If the license plate changes—for example, due to a transfer or re-registration—or if the windshield is replaced, a new environmental sticker must be requested . The old sticker is then no longer legally valid, even if it is still physically attached to the windshield.