Since 01.03.2007 Environmental Zones have been introduced in some German cities and towns. The first Environmental Zones have been established from 1. January 2008 in Berlin, Cologne and Hannover. After Dortmund with the small Environmental Zone Brackeler Straße on the 12.01.2008, the eight Baden-Württemberg cities Ilsfeld, Leonberg, Ludwigsburg, Mannheim, Mühlacker, Reutlingen, Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Stuttgart and Tübingen followed on the 01.03.2008.

The areas most affected by respiratory dust have to be marked with the sign  270.1 as "Umweltzone" (Environmental Zone). The additional sign regulates which vehicles with which badge colour are allowed to enter. The end of the Environmental Zone is marked with the sign 270.2.

270.1                                                                                 270.2

 

 

Vehicles without badge are not allowed to enter the Umweltzone (Environmental Zone). Fines of 40,00 € are taken even if the vehicle would be suitable for the Zone.
In Berlin are since 01.01.2010 only vehicles in pollutant Class 4, with green stickers, are allowed to drive in the green zone.

For his reason it is recommended that all drivers get informed about the badge (Umweltplakette) and purchase it on time in case they plan to enter one of the multiplying Environmental Zones (Umweltzonen). This is easily checked by having a look at your registration papers.
The emission group of the car can be found in the registration. The last two numbers of the emission key number (Emissionsschlüsselnummer) show the pollutant class.

 

 

All cars with the numbers 03 to 13 are banned according to the Ministry of Transport. This is concerning the years of manufacture from 1992 to 1997. Depending on the technical standard cars younger than 10 years can be affected as well.
All mentioned measures are for the purpose of improving the quality of the air and reducing the respirable dust according to the EU-guideline.
The badge (Umwelt-Plakette) is hence regulating the respirable dust emmission but not the emmission with carbon dioxide CO2.
The purchase of a Klima-Vignette as offered by the Climate Company supports the reduction of the global climate change.