Germany Emission Sticker

Driving in Germany requires compliance with various environmental regulations, particularly if you plan to enter certain urban areas. One such requirement is the emission sticker (Umweltplakette), a coloured label that identifies the emissions class of your vehicle. Here’s everything you need to know about these stickers, why you need them, and how to get one.

What is an Environmental/ Emission Sticker and Why Do You Need One?

An emission sticker is a small, coloured label affixed to your vehicle’s windscreen, showing which emissions category your car falls into. These categories are based on how environmentally friendly your vehicle is, with greener vehicles receiving a higher classification.

You need this sticker to enter certain environmental zones (Umweltzonen) in German cities. The sticker helps reduce air pollution by restricting high-polluting vehicles from entering urban areas. Failing to have the correct sticker can result in fines, even if your car meets the required emission standards.

Which Emission Sticker Do You Need for Your Car?

The type of emission sticker you need depends on your vehicle’s emissions category, which is determined by its EU emissions standard. Stickers are available in three colours: red, yellow and green.

Euro Level	First registration passenger cars	First registration trucks	Sticker
	Diesel cars
EURO I or Pre-EURO I	Before 1 Jan. 1997	Before 1 Oct. 1996	None
Euro II	From 1 Jan. 1997 to 31 Dec. 2000	From 1 Oct. 1996 to 30 Sept. 2001	Red
Euro III	From 1 Jan. 2001 to 31 Dec. 2005	From 1 Oct. 2001 to 30 Sept. 2006	Yellow
Euro IV	From 1 Jan. 2006	From 1 Jan. 2006	Green
	Petrol cars
Pre-EURO-I (without catalytic converter)	Before 1 Jan. 1993		None
EUR I and higher	From 1 Jan. 1993		Green

Validity and Coverage of the Emission Stickers

Once you have an emission sticker, it’s valid indefinitely as long as the vehicle’s registration plate remains the same. The sticker is vehicle-specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles.

However, the coverage of these stickers applies only to areas designated as environmental zones. Outside of these zones, you won’t need to display the sticker. Always check local requirements before driving into a city, as some may have stricter regulations, such as diesel bans.

Environmental Zones in Germany

Environmental zones are designated areas within German cities where only vehicles with the appropriate emission stickers are permitted. These zones are established to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

Some key cities with environmental zones include:

• Berlin
• Munich
• Cologne
• Frankfurt
• Stuttgart

In addition to environmental zones, certain cities, such as Stuttgart and Hamburg, have introduced diesel bans in certain areas to combat excessive pollution levels. Always check ahead for any local restrictions.

How to Buy an Emission Sticker

You can easily obtain an emission sticker before entering Germany. Here are a few ways to buy one:

1. Online Purchase:
   • Available on our website at Avignette.com/
2. From a TÜV or DEKRA Office in Germany:
   • These are technical inspection centres found in most German towns.
3. From a Vehicle Registration Office:
   • If you’re already in Germany, you can visit any vehicle registration office to purchase the sticker.

Once purchased, ensure the sticker is correctly affixed to your windscreen, typically on the lower right-hand corner, so it’s easily visible during checks.

Fines for Not Having the Right Sticker

Driving in an environmental zone without the appropriate sticker can lead to fines of up to €100. Even if your vehicle qualifies for a green sticker, failure to display it can result in the same penalty. Additionally, law enforcement can issue fines on the spot, so always ensure your sticker is clearly visible.

Which Roads and Areas Have Tolls?

Unlike many European countries, Germany does not have widespread tolls for passenger cars on its Autobahn network. However, some specific areas and roads do charge tolls:

• Tunnels: Certain tunnels like the Warnow Tunnel and Herrentunnel levy toll charges.
• City tolls: While most cities do not charge tolls, entry into low-emission zones requires compliance with the emission sticker rules.

For lorries and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5 tonnes, tolls apply on motorways and certain main roads. There is also a toll for vehicles with a technically permissible total mass between 3.5 tons and 7.5 tons. This toll specifically targets commercial vehicles within this weight range that are utilized or designated for freight transport. Additionally, vehicle combinations will incur tolls if the towing vehicle exceeds a technically permissible total mass of 3.5 tons.

How to Pay for Tolls in Germany

For those roads and tunnels that charge tolls, there are multiple ways to pay:

1. At the Toll Station: Tolls can be paid at stations located near tunnels or major toll roads. Payment can be made using cash or card.
2. Online via Toll Collect: The official Toll Collect system allows you to register and pay online, especially for lorries and HGVs. This system also offers a mobile app for convenience.
3. Prepaid Tickets: For some tunnels, you can pre-purchase tickets, reducing wait times.

Make sure to pay tolls promptly to avoid fines and penalties.

Toll Pricing and Exemptions

Toll prices vary depending on the type of road and vehicle. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Type of Road	Toll Cost (approx.)
Warnow Tunnel	€4,09 for cars, from €9,29 for lorries
Herrentunnel	€2.10 for cars, from €3.9 for lorries

Exemptions: Most passenger cars are exempt from motorway tolls, though this may change in the future. Electric and hydrogen vehicles are also often exempt from tolls in certain environmental zones.

Are There Vignettes in Germany?

Unlike countries such as Austria or Switzerland, Germany does not have a general vignette system for cars. A vignette is typically a prepaid sticker allowing you to use the country’s highways. However, for heavy goods vehicles, the German government operates a toll system instead of vignettes.

Controlling Tolls: How Are They Enforced?

1. Automatic Enforcement: Enforcement gantries and on-board units (OBUs) automatically monitor vehicles for toll compliance by capturing data as they pass.
2. Enforcement Pillars: Mobile enforcement pillars along federal trunk roads perform similar functions to gantries, flagging vehicles for inspection based on toll payment status.
3. Mobile Enforcement Teams: BALM’s mobile teams patrol highways to stop and check vehicles suspected of toll violations, collecting unpaid tolls and fines on-site.
4. Random Spot Checks: Random checks are conducted using shipping documents and fuel receipts to verify past toll payments and ensure compliance.

Consequences of Non-Compliance Summary

Vehicles found not paying the required toll face retroactive charges, immediate payment demands, and potential fines before continuing their journey.

Driving in Germany offers a unique experience, but it’s important to familiarise yourself with regulations like emission stickers and toll roads to avoid fines and ensure a smooth journey. At Avignette.com you can be well-informed of the right emission sticker, understanding toll payment options, and staying informed about road rules so that you enjoy your trip with confidence. Safe travels!