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Low-emission zones in Germany

Most vehicles need a green emissions sticker to enter the local Umweltzone unless a recognised exemption applies. Foreign registration plates do not by themselves provide an exemption.

Cities with low-emission zones

Cities in active Umweltzonen listed by Umweltbundesamt, including the shared Ruhrgebiet and Ludwigsburg areas. Abolished zones are excluded from these cards.

Which sticker do you need?

Normal access to an active German Umweltzone requires a green sticker displaying the number 4. This identifies the German emissions group, not Euro 4: Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles can also receive it. Eligibility depends on the vehicle documents and any approved particulate filter.

Affix the sticker inside the windscreen. Replace it if the registration number changes or the sticker becomes illegible.

Foreign vehicles and exemptions

The same green sticker is valid in other German Umweltzonen. You do not normally register each individual city visit online. Check the separate rules for motorcycles, recognised historic vehicles and other exempt categories.

Electric vehicles also need the appropriate recognised identification to use an exemption. Engine type alone does not establish entitlement.

Approach roads and additional restrictions

Check the approach streets as well as the hotel or car park. A route suggested by a navigation app does not confirm legal access.

A green sticker does not override pedestrian zones, delivery restrictions or separate diesel bans. Observe local signs and the city’s current rules.

Munich, Stuttgart and electric vehicles

Munich’s zone includes Mittlerer Ring. Euro 4/IV and older diesels are separately restricted unless exempt. Stuttgart has a wider Euro 4/IV ban and a smaller area also covering Euro 5/V.

From 1 October 2026, vehicles with recognised electric identification under § 11 FZV are exempt from the emissions-sticker requirement. Do not assume that any electric or hybrid vehicle qualifies without that identification.

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Sources and verification

Author: European Centre for Road Transport

Updated .