In Germany, there are special zones for low-emission vehicles that require an eco-sticker to drive through. Find out more about eco-friendly car stickers, where to buy them, and what areas they are required for

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Umweltzone in Germany are low-emission zones. All car drivers who plan to enter these areas need to purchase an eco-sticker. We will tell you what types of stickers are available, where to buy them, and what they are for in this article.

Umweltplakette: environmental stickers in Germany

In order to improve air quality in German cities, a system of environmental zones has been introduced since 2008. Access to such zones is restricted. Only vehicles that meet certain emission standards are allowed to drive through these areas. This measure encourages the use of more environmentally friendly transport and helps to reduce air pollution.

Germany's eco-sticker system (Umweltplakette) is a simple and effective way to classify cars according to their emissions. There are three types of stickers: red indicates a car with a high level of environmental pollution, yellow indicates a car with an average level of pollution, and green indicates a car with a low level of pollution.

Photo: Gtue.de

However, keep in mind that from 2021, cars with a red sticker are not allowed to enter low-emission zones, and owners of a yellow sticker are only allowed to enter the low-emission zone of the Neu-Ulm district in Bavaria.

In turn, the green sticker is a pass for travelling in all low-emission zones.

Driving through a low-emission zone without the appropriate environmental sticker will result in a fine of EUR 100.

Currently, there are 39 environmental zones in Germany. The exact location of the respective areas can be found on the website of the German Environmental Protection Agency.

The beginning and end of the low-emission areas are marked with appropriate signs.

Photo: Bild.de

Which cars can receive an eco-label in Germany?

● Cars with electric motors;
● сars equipped with petrol, LPG or hybrid engines that meet the requirements of the EURO 1 emission standard;
● сars with diesel engines that meet the EURO 4 emission standard;
● trucks and buses with a diesel engine that meets the EURO 4 emission standard;
● vehicles with a diesel engine that meets the EURO 3 emission standard and has a diesel particulate filter.

Where can I buy an eco-sticker in Germany?

You can buy an eco-label in Germany from vehicle inspection companies, namely DEKRA and TÜV.

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Keep in mind. To legally drive a car with Ukrainian registration in Germany, you need a valid Green Card insurance policy.

If you have a Green Card, if you get into an accident in Germany, you can expect to receive compensation from an insurance agent.

It is better to buy insurance online because it is quick and easy. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can buy a Green Card from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Just a reminder. Ukrainians who arrive in Germany by their own car can use it freely on the roads of the country for a limited period. After that, the vehicle must be registered. Read here to find out how to re-register a Ukrainian car in Germany and what you need to do.

Photo: Bernd Weißbrod

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Are you planning a trip to Europe by car? A Green Card from Visit Ukraine is your reliable protection on European roads. Fast processing, affordable prices and complete peace of mind while travelling. Apply for a Green Card and enjoy a safe trip abroad!

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