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Do I need a German emissions “Umweltzone” sticker? The answer is yes, many cities now require you to have a sticker on your windscreen prior to entry. The decals are required if traveling into environmental green zones (inner city zones with high pollution levels) identified by the Umwelt sign.
Today, at least 40 major cities throughout Germany to include Neustadt, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Mannheim locally and a little further away, Berlin, Hannover and Köln require you to have a sticker. An additional 56 cities are listed as “coming soon” and they will require you to have stickers also. The stickers are not required on major highways if you are traveling through the city area but if you stop you must have the authorized sticker displayed or face a fine. The following link shows current and planned low emission zones: www.umwelt- plakette.de/int_england.php?SID=d83ec60a7120fc7b39d2d7026329e485.
Motorists must pay attention to environmental green zone entrance signs which are square with the familiar red circle on a white background. The word “Umwelt” is centered in the red circle and “Zone” is underneath in large letters. Especially pay attention to the smaller sign marked “Frei” posted beneath; it identifies the colors of vehicle decals allowed into the zone. The Green Zone departure signs are the same as the entrance signs but with the familiar slash identifying the departure of a zone.
The decals, issued by U.S. Army Europe vehicle registrations, are issued based upon model year. They are issued in three colors: red, yellow or green. Gasoline engine vehicles (model year 1993 and newer) will receive green colored decals. Diesel engine vehicles (model year 1997 and newer) will receive one of the three colors of stickers based on the model year. Diesel vehicles model year 1997 through 2005 may require future emission system upgrades to meet Category 4 green sticker emission standards for environmental zones.
Vehicles older than model year criteria can’t be issued decals from USAREUR. Older vehicles may only receive decals after emission system upgrades. Decals must then be issued directly from a certified local emission repair shops and only after passing host nation emission standards tests. Motorcycles and government vehicles currently are exempt per instruction.
The sticker is free for all USAREUR plated vehicles and issued through USAREUR Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Not having a sticker in a low emissions zone is an offence with a penalty of a 40 Euro fine and one point in the national traffic penalty register for German vehicles.
USAREUR Registrar of Motor Vehicles is the point of contact for the specific Umweltzone stickers. Visit www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/emissions.htm
for more specific details on vehicle registration requirements. Please stop by Vehicle Registration at Kapaun for a sticker and additional information.
