What are low-emissions zones?
Low-emission zones - or Umweltzone in German - are areas in which only vehicles that comply with certain exhaust emission standards are allowed to drive. They aren’t just in Germany, but can be found all over Europe.
READ ALSO: Low emission zones: What you need to know if you're driving in Europe
Since 2008, German cities have had the power to designate low-emission zones, and decide which zones vehicles with stickers are allowed to enter.
Where are the low emissions zones in Germany?
There are currently 56 low emissions zones in Germany that require motorists to have an emissions-class sticker displayed on their windshield to enter.
You can find the whole list of Umweltzone here, which includes city centres such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne and DĂĽsseldorf.
If you’re planning a road trip in Germany, it’s best to check ahead online to find out if you'll be driving into one of these areas as, though there will be signs dotted around, they're easy to miss and not seeing them won't be an excuse if you encounter the police!
Driving into a low-emissions zone without a sticker - even if you have a low-emissions vehicle - comes with a fine of €80 if you're caught.
Which sticker do I need?
This sticker you need is called eine Umweltplakette (an environment sticker) or eine Feinstaubplakette (emissions sticker).
For 55 of the 56 emissions zones in Germany, you need a green sticker. This can be given to gasoline vehicles with a regulated catalytic converter and diesel vehicles (Euro 6, Euro 5, Euro 4, Euro 3 with a particulate filter) as long as their exhaust emission values correspond to pollutant group 4.
But don't worry if you don't know which value your vehicle has - you can find it in the vehicle’s registration documents.
The only low-emissions zone in Germany which still allows vehicles with a yellow sticker to enter is in Neu-Ulm, and the yellow sticker is only issued to diesel vehicles of the Euro 3 or 2 standard with a particulate filter.
Where can I get the green sticker for my car?
Emissions stickers are generally quite easy to come by in Germany and can be purchased locally at most mechanics, vehicle inspection and registration offices or from numerous providers on the Internet which can then be sent out by post. The cost of a sticker ranges from €5 to around €18.
You can buy stickers online from TĂśV SĂśD here or from TĂśV-NORD here.Â
Can I convert my yellow sticker to a green one?Â
If you have a yellow sticker, you may be able to fit your car with a particulate filter to be able to qualify for a green sticker.Â
What about if I’m driving a foreign vehicle in Germany?
Driving bans in low-emission zones also apply to vehicles registered outside of Germany and foreign vehicles need to have the green sticker when driving into them to avoid getting a fine.
Owners of foreign vehicles can get their stickers in the same way as German car owners, by purchasing one online or going to a mechanic or vehicle inspection office.
READ ALSO: Driving in Germany: Eight German road signs that confuse foreigners
There, they will be able to give you your sticker after checking your vehicle registration documents - even if they're in another language - as the emissions numbers are what counts.Â
Are the stickers valid everywhere?
Stickers are valid in every environmental zone in Germany and not only in one area. With a green sticker on the vehicle, you can drive into all cities in Germany.Â
However, there are some other exceptions to be wary of.
A few cities in Germany have also introduced diesel driving bans due to excessive exhaust pollution. This means that diesel cars - even with the green sticker - won't aren't allowed to drive into certain areas. Some areas of Munich, Hamburg, Mainz, Frankfurt and Stuttgart currently have such a ban in effect and you can find out exactly where here.Â
READ ALSO: Munich introduces diesel driving ban in city centre
What about motorbikes?
Good news for two-wheelers: only four-wheeled vehicles need to display an emissions sticker in Germany.
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