Emission Sticker for Foreign Vehicles
If you are entering Germany with a foreign vehicle and want to drive into an environmental zone, you need a valid environmental badge. This so-called fine dust sticker (Feinstaubplakette) is mandatory in many city centers – regardless of whether your vehicle is registered abroad.
You can only receive an environmental badge if your car meets certain emission standards. Here, you will find a step-by-step explanation of which standards apply, which documents are required, and how to buy the environmental badge most easily.
Do foreign vehicles need to have an environmental badge?
Yes, if you want to drive your car into a German environmental zone or park there, a valid green environmental badge is mandatory.
There are no exceptions for foreign license plates. Even rental cars or motorhomes from abroad must display the correct sticker.
Which vehicles are eligible for an environmental badge?
The most important requirement is your vehicle’s Euro emissions standard. You can find this in your registration certificate or the COC (Certificate of Conformity) document.
Petrol vehicles with Euro 1 or higher and diesel vehicles with at least Euro 4 usually qualify for the green badge. It’s essential that the documents are clear and include all necessary technical details.
How to order an environmental badge:
1. Order
Get your environmental badge online in just one minute
2. Test
Simply upload your registration papers for a quick check.
3. Delivery
We’ll send you your environmental badge at a discounted price.
4. Drive off
Attach your environmental badge to your vehicle – that’s it!
The online ordering process is simple and only takes a few minutes.
You upload a photo of your vehicle registration or COC document, enter your license plate number, and select the shipping option.
Make sure your license plate number is correct – the environmental badge will be printed with that exact number and is only valid for that vehicle.
Once submitted, your order will be reviewed, and the badge will be sent to your address by mail.
Which Sticker Does My Vehicle Get?
| Sticker Color | Requirement | Permission to Enter the Environmental Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Euro 4 Petrol / Euro 5–6 Diesel | Yes |
| Yellow | Euro 3 Diesel | Partial |
| Red | Euro 2 Diesel | No |
| None | Euro 1 or worse | Prohibited |
What Happens If I Drive Into an Environmental Zone Without a Sticker?
You will face a fine of 100 Euros. There is no inspection at the border, but random checks are carried out in environmental zones. Parking without a valid sticker in an environmental zone is also punishable, regardless of the origin of your vehicle.
Are There Alternatives to the Environmental Sticker?
If your vehicle cannot obtain a green sticker, consider using public transportation, car sharing, or park-and-ride services. In many cities, you can park at the outskirts and easily take a bus or train into the city center.