There are 39 environmental zones in Germany that only vehicles with a green environmental badge are allowed to drive in. But what exactly is an environmental badge, how do you get one and how long is such a badge valid for? We clarify the most important questions for you.
What is an environmental badge?
The environmental sticker, also known as the fine dust sticker, is a colored sticker that is affixed to the windscreen of vehicles. It was introduced on March 1, 2007 and indicates the emission class in which the vehicle is classified. The environmental sticker is therefore proof that the vehicle meets specific emission standards and is authorized to drive in the specific environmental zones.
Low emission zones are special areas in cities and regions where access is restricted for vehicles with high pollutant emissions. The aim is to improve air quality and reduce particulate matter pollution.
What environmental badges are available?
There are four groups of pollutants in total:
- Green sticker (pollutant group 4): Vehicles with the lowest emissions may drive in environmental zones without restriction
- Yellow sticker (pollutant group 3): Vehicles with slightly higher emissions than the green sticker have restricted access or are excluded in many environmental zones
- Red sticker (pollutant group 2): Vehicles with even higher emissions are not allowed to drive in most environmental zones and are severely restricted
- No sticker: Vehicles that do not meet the minimum requirements for the red sticker do not receive an environmental sticker and are therefore not allowed to enter any environmental zones
Where can I get an environmental badge?
Vehicle owners must present the vehicle registration certificate (registration certificate part I) to the competent authority or an authorized inspection body such as TÜV or DEKRA in order to obtain an environmental sticker. The cost of the sticker is usually between 5 and 10 euros.
Which vehicles require an environmental badge?
Vehicles that wish to drive in environmental zones require an environmental badge. This includes cars, trucks, buses and motorhomes. Some vehicles are exempt from the requirement. These include:
- Vintage car
- Electric vehicles
- Motorcycles and 3-wheeled motor vehicles
- Disabled motor vehicles
- Vehicles with special rights (e.g. emergency vehicles of the police, fire department and rescue services)
- Working machines
- Agricultural and forestry vehicles
What happens if you drive into an environmental zone without an environmental badge?
Anyone driving into an environmental zone without an environmental badge risks a fine. This also applies to vehicles that have a sticker but it is not visibly attached to the windshield or that do not have a sufficient sticker. The fine for such an offense is 100 euros.
In many cities, entry is monitored by stationary cameras that automatically detect vehicles without a (valid) sticker.
How long is an environmental badge valid for?
As long as no changes are made to the vehicle that affect the emission class, such as the installation of a new engine or a particulate filter, the environmental badge remains valid. If changes are made to the vehicle that improve or worsen the emissions class, a new environmental badge must be applied for.
A new sticker is also required if the vehicle is re-registered and the license plate number changes as a result. This is because the number on the sticker must match the license plate number.
