As of 19.03.2009

Low emission zone / emissions-control windscreen sticker

Information for vehicle owners from abroad

On 1 January 2008 the cities of Berlin, Cologne and Hanover introduced low emission zones to mitigate air pollution caused by fine particles. The cities of Stuttgart and Mannheim followed this example on 1 March 2008 and on 1 October 2008 low emission zones were also introduced in Munich, Frankfurt am Main and several cities of the Ruhr area. Several other cities are also considering designating low emission zones.

Low emission zones are identified by traffic signs and additional signs. The Thirty-fifth Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (Ordinance on the marking of vehicles) stipulates that vehicles have to be marked with stickers (on the windscreen inside the vehicle) and lays down the criteria vehicles have to meet for the different kinds of stickers. Stickers are valid for all low emission zones in any city in Germany.

An overview of low emission zones, both existing and planned, drawn up by the Federal Environmental Agency is available at Federal Environmental Agency (in German).

Cities furthermore provide important information about their low emission zones on their websites (size, exceptions, service, practical advice).

Emissions groups

Vehicles are divided into emissions groups according to their particulate emissions and they receive a sticker of the colour marking the respective emissions group:

• red for emissions group 2,
• yellow for emissions group 3
• and green for emissions group 4.

Only vehicles displaying the required stickers may enter low emission zones. Thus, the respective stickers are only mandatory for cars driven within these zones. They are not necessary for crossing the border into Germany.

Article 6 of the Ordinance on the marking of vehicles clearly lays down which vehicles belong to which emissions group. If registration papers do not identify the European emission standard of a vehicle, the date of the vehicle's first registration is used as a basis for classification. Vehicles with diesel engines can generally reach the next higher emissions group if they are retrofitted with an emission control device such as a particulate trap. Proof of the standard achieved through retrofitting (stipulated by the Ordinance on the marking of vehicles) must be provided in form of a certification issued by the garage.

Where to obtain emissions-control windscreen stickers

Stickers can be obtained from the local licensing administration or other competent bodies designated under Länder law. Another option are bodies authorised to carry out waste gas examinations (garages, service stations with garages and inspection agencies such as Dekra and TÜV (Technical Inspection Authority) in Germany or even their offices abroad).

Stickers can be obtained from the local licensing authorities or other competent bodies designated under Länder law. Another option are bodies authorised to carry out waste gas examinations (garages, service stations with garages and inspection agencies such as Dekra and TÜV (Technical Inspection Authority) in Germany or even their offices abroad).

Stickers will be issued by any of the above-mentioned bodies upon presentation of vehicle registration papers.

It is also possible to order stickers from one of the above-mentioned bodies before driving into a low emission zone. Registration papers may be submitted (in principle copies do not need to be officially certified) via fax or e-mail (scanned document) or as copy by post. The sticker will then be sent by post. The issuing bodies charge between 5 to 10 euro for one sticker. Costs for shipped stickers, including postage, may be higher.

Exemptions are possible in accordance with Article 1 (2) and Annex 3 to Article 2 (2) of the Ordinance on the marking of vehicles. It is not permitted to enter a low emission zone without a sticker or special authorisation (fine: 40 euro).

Overview of emissions groups for vehicles (exceptions to the rule may occur in individual cases):