Cars registered abroad can be driven in German cities which have established low-emission zones when the engine is emission controlled and the vehicle bears a pollutant sticker.
Within the low-emission zones, only vehicles bearing the appropriate pollutant sticker on the windscreen may be operated. If the colour of the pollutant sticker on the vehicle is not identical to that shown on the low-emission zone sign, the vehicle may not be driven within this low-emission zone.
Vehicles bearing one of the stickers shown on the supplementary sign are exempted from the driving ban.
Which motor vehicles are affected?
Cars, buses and trucks
Exemptions:
Two- and three-wheeled vehicles, industrial machines, tractors for agriculture and forestry, vintage cars, vehicles for handicapped people and vehicles en route under special privileges do not need a pollutant sticker.
| Euro class | Pollutant group | First registration of cars | First registration of trucks | Sticker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Diesel engines |
Diesel engines |
|||
| Euro 1 or less | 1 |
prior to 1 Jan. 1997 | prior to 1 Oct. 1996 | none |
| Euro 2 or Euro 1 with diesel exhaust particulate filter |
2 |
from 1 Jan. 1997 to 31 Dec. 2000 |
from 1 Oct. 1996 to 30 Sept. 2001 |
 |
| Euro 3 or Euro 2 with diesel exhaust particulate filter |
3 |
from 1 Jan. 2001 to 31 Dec. 2005 |
from 1 Oct. 2001 to 30 Sept. 2006 |
 |
| Euro 4 and higher or Euro 3 with diesel exhaust particulate filter |
4 |
from 1 Jan. 2006 | from 1 Oct. 2006 |  |
| without | Gasoline/gas engines | Gasoline/gas engines | ||
| Euro 1 (without lambda-controlled catalytic converter) or less | 1 |
prior to 1 Jan. 1993 | prior 1 Jan. 1993 | none |
| Euro 1 (with lambda-controlled catalytic converter) and higher | 4 |
from 1 Jan. 1993 | from 1 Jan. 1993 | |
Reference: vehicles without an internal combustion engine (e.g. electric motor, fuel cell vehicle) are assigned to the pollutant group 4 (green sticker).
The first registration date is given in the certificate of registration in field „B“.
How can you obtain the pollutant sticker?
Please return the fully completed order form, including a copy of the certificate of registration and proof of installation of the diesel exhaust particulate filter, by fax mail or e-mail to us.
We will then check your documents to determine the sticker colour your vehicle will get. You will receive the sticker and the invoice by mail at a price of €10.00 including postage, packaging and VAT.
If no sticker can be issued to you, weÂ’ll notify you of this fact.
Order form for pollutant stickers