Low emission zone / emissions-control windscreen sticker

On 1 January 2008 the cities of Berlin, Cologne and Hanover introduced low emission zones to mitigate air pollution caused by fine particles. In the near future other German cities will follow the example.

Low emission zones are identified by traffic signs and additional signs. The Ordinance on the marking of vehicles (35th BImSchV) 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.

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.

Vehicles with stickers for emissions group 2 or above may enter the currently existing low emission zones. 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 all TÜV-STATIONEN of TÜV NORD Mobilität, 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 in Germany or even their offices abroad.

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

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 the allocation of vehicles to the groups (please click, popup)

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