German environmental sticker (Umweltplakette): rules, colours and zones 2026

The German environmental sticker (Umweltplakette, also called the fine-dust sticker or Feinstaubplakette) is the counterpart to the French Crit'Air. It is valid only in Germany and is not recognised in France.

How many environmental zones are left?

Many cities have lifted their environmental zones in recent years because air quality has improved – most recently Leipzig in April 2026, and before that Hanover, Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Mannheim and Freiburg, among others. At the end of 2026, according to the ADAC and the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), around 35 environmental zones are still active, including Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne, Düsseldorf and the Ruhr area. The green sticker is required in all active zones. The Umweltbundesamt maintains the current map.

Which colour will my vehicle get?

Sticker	Diesel	Petrol
Green	Euro 4, 5, 6 (or Euro 3 with particulate filter)	Euro 1 and newer (with closed-loop catalytic converter)
Yellow	Euro 3 (or Euro 2 with particulate filter)	–
Red	Euro 2 (or Euro 1 with particulate filter)	–
None	Euro 1 and older	without closed-loop catalytic converter

As all active zones require the green sticker, vehicles with a yellow or red sticker are in practice no longer allowed in anywhere.

Exemptions

• Motorbikes and other two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles do not need a sticker.
• Classic cars with a German H plate or red 07 plate are exempt.
• Electric cars with a German E plate no longer need a sticker since 1 October 2026. Electric cars registered abroad do not have an E plate and still need the green sticker.

Does the requirement also apply to foreign vehicles?

Yes. If you drive into an environmental zone with a foreign number plate, you also need the appropriate sticker. Without a sticker you face a €100 fine (no penalty points). Foreign vehicles are classified by the Euro standard shown in the vehicle documents, otherwise by the date of first registration.

Where can I get the environmental sticker?

It is issued by vehicle registration offices, testing organisations such as TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS, and by garages authorised to carry out emissions tests. For vehicles from abroad, ordering by post is the easiest option: all you need is your vehicle registration certificate (logbook). The sticker shows your number plate and is valid only for that vehicle.

Validity and display

The environmental sticker has no expiry date. It is tied to the number plate entered on it; after a change of number plate or a new windscreen, a new one is required. It is stuck clearly visible on the inside of the windscreen and cannot be removed without tearing. You can order the German environmental sticker here.