Low-emission zones in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Germany has a national sticker scheme (red, yellow, green) for local Umweltzonen. 35 zones remain and only the green sticker is accepted. Driving in a zone without it carries a fine of 100 euros.

RuleWhat applies
Type of schemeDriving in a low-emission zoneGermany has a national sticker scheme for 'Umweltzonen'. Vehicles are placed in pollutant groups 1 to 4; groups 2, 3 and 4 get a red, yellow or green sticker. A traffic sign for a zone says which vehicles may enter. [1]
Where the zones areDriving in a low-emission zoneThe Federal Environment Agency says 35 Umweltzonen remain in Germany (page updated 1 October 2026). Many cities have abolished theirs. The page gives no list of cities. [2]
Which vehicles may enterDriving in a low-emission zoneSince 2012 only vehicles with a green sticker (pollutant group 4) may enter the existing zones. Group 1 vehicles get no sticker. Only cars, lorries and buses are affected. Exempt under Annex 3 are, among others, motorcycles, electric vehicles with an electric plate, classic cars (Oldtimer) and vehicles for disabled people. Single exemptions can be applied for at the local registration office. [2]
Foreign vehicles: sticker or registrationDriving in a low-emission zoneStickers are issued by vehicle registration offices and by bodies recognised for emission tests. This also applies to foreign vehicles covered by the International Motor Traffic Ordinance (Verordnung über internationalen Kraftfahrzeugverkehr). A sticker is valid in every zone in Germany. [3]
FineDriving in a low-emission zoneDriving in a zone with a traffic ban without the required sticker or exemption is an administrative offence with a fine of 100 euros. [4]

Notes

  • Zones are set up locally; the cited page gives only the number, not the cities.
  • The sources read do not say in so many words that a foreign driver must display a sticker; they say foreign vehicles can obtain one.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz: § 2 Zuordnung von Kraftfahrzeugen zu Schadstoffgruppen (35. BImSchV) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Umweltbundesamt: Umweltzonen in Deutschland (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz: § 4 Ausgabe der Plaketten (35. BImSchV) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Bundesministerium der Justiz: Anlage BKatV - Bußgeldkatalog (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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