Low-emission zoneGermany
50. Low-emission zone
A low-emission zone, or LEZ, is a defined area where access by more polluting vehicles is restricted in order to reduce traffic-related air pollution. Vehicles that do not satisfy the required emission criteria may be prohibited from entering or may require a temporary permit, exemption or day pass.
Access rules commonly depend on factors such as the vehicle category, fuel type and Euro emission standard. Low-emission-zone requirements vary between countries and cities, so drivers should check the applicable rules before entering the zone.
Wikimedia.org • Smiley.toerist • CC BY-SA
How are low-emission access restrictions applied in Germany?
Several German cities use an Umweltzone. Vehicles normally need the appropriate environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter, even if registered abroad. The sticker is not a motorway vignette.
Does a German green emissions sticker give permission to ignore city-specific rules?
No. The Umweltplakette indicates emissions eligibility for marked Umweltzonen; separate access, parking and traffic restrictions must still be obeyed.
Does entering an emissions-restricted area change the speed limit in Germany?
No, not solely because of its emissions designation. Obey the separately applicable speed signs, vehicle restrictions and priority rules. A permit or emissions exemption does not override the normal traffic rules.
Start of a low-emission zone.
English • Traffic sign 270.1 • Beginning of a traffic restriction zone to reduce harmful air pollution.
Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 270.1 • Beginn einer Verkehrsverbotszone zur Verminderung schädlicher Luftverunreinigungen in einer Zone.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Abtrix, Markus1983, Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2015-08-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of the low-emission zone.
English • Traffic sign 270.2 • End of a traffic restriction zone to reduce harmful air pollution.
Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 270.2 • Ende einer Verkehrsverbotszone zur Verminderung schädlicher Luftverunreinigungen in einer Zone.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
hochgeladen durch Abtrix • Public domain • Source revision 2017-03-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Traffic rules
Germany