Aachen low-emission zone (Umweltzone)

The Aachen Umweltzone covers roughly everything inside the outer ring road (Außenring). It has applied since 1 February 2016, every day, around the clock.

A green sticker (Umweltplakette, class 4) is required. As a general rule, petrol cars with a catalytic converter (Euro 1 and above) and diesels from Euro 4 (or Euro 3 with a particle filter) get green. Motorcycles and vehicles with H/07 historic plates are exempt. Foreign classic cars are exempt if they meet equivalent rules in their home country.

Foreign-registered cars need the same sticker. It is not free: about EUR 5-15, valid in all German zones and it does not expire. Foreign electric cars without a German E-number plate also need the green sticker. Only cars with a German E plate have been exempt since 1 October 2026.

Where to get it: Straßenverkehrsamt StädteRegion Aachen (Würselen), TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS or authorised emissions-test garages. The StädteRegion online order is for German-registered vehicles only; aachen.de provides application forms in German, English and Dutch for foreign vehicles.

Day pass: none is mentioned; check the official website.

Before you leave: check your car's Euro norm on the registration certificate (if unsure, ask your garage). If it qualifies for green, get the Umweltplakette before entering the zone. Fill in the form from aachen.de (German, English or Dutch) and bring your registration certificate to TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, an authorised garage or the Straßenverkehrsamt in Würselen. Stick it on the windscreen.

Warning: no official warning about online sticker sellers was found, but third-party sites sell the sticker for about EUR 20 against the official EUR 5-15. Use official outlets only.

Alternative: during the Christmas market (20.11.-23.12.2026), aachen.de says the P&R sites can be used without a sticker. The train to Aachen Hbf is also an option.