Low-emission zoneGermany

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Germany

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.

Start of a low-emission zone, green sticker allowed. (Düsseldorf, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Smiley.toerist • CC BY-SA

What is a low-emission zone?

A low-emission zone is an area where access by more polluting vehicles is restricted in order to improve air quality.

Why are low-emission zones introduced?

They are intended to reduce traffic-related air pollution, particularly pollutants produced by older or higher-emitting vehicles.

Which vehicles can be restricted in a low-emission zone?

Restrictions may apply to cars, vans, trucks, buses, motorcycles or other motor vehicles, depending on the local regulations.

How is access to a low-emission zone determined?

Access commonly depends on the vehicle's fuel type, Euro emission standard, vehicle category and sometimes other technical characteristics.

What is a Euro emission standard?

A Euro emission standard indicates which European pollutant-emission requirements a vehicle satisfies. Higher Euro numbers generally represent newer and stricter emissions requirements.

Are diesel and petrol vehicles treated the same?

Not necessarily. Low-emission zones often apply different access criteria to diesel and petrol vehicles because their pollutant-emission characteristics differ.

Can electric vehicles enter a low-emission zone?

Fully electric vehicles are generally permitted because they produce no combustion-engine exhaust emissions while driving, although local registration or administrative requirements may still apply.

Can a vehicle that does not meet the normal criteria still enter?

Some low-emission zones provide exemptions, temporary permits or day passes for certain vehicles or circumstances.

How can you recognise a low-emission zone?

Traffic signs normally indicate the entrance and exit of the zone. Drivers should check the applicable restrictions before passing the entry sign.

How are low-emission zones enforced?

Enforcement may use automatic licence-plate cameras, roadside controls or registration databases. The exact system varies between cities and countries.

Do foreign vehicles have to follow low-emission-zone rules?

Yes. Foreign vehicles must comply with the applicable access criteria and may also have to complete an online registration before entering.

Are low-emission-zone rules the same everywhere?

No. Each country, region or city can establish different boundaries, emission requirements, exemptions and enforcement procedures.

Selective barriers

Intersection direction sign

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...