Düsseldorf low-emission zone: map and entry rules

Düsseldorf’s zone covers a large part of the city on both sides of the Rhine. An expansion in 2013 took it well beyond the historic centre.

Areas covered

Some boundary streets are included and others are excluded. Use the detailed city map to check a specific address and its approach route.

Through routes and roads outside the zone

Designated routes to the airport and exhibition grounds remain accessible without a sticker. One example runs from the A44 via Am Staad and Rotterdamer Straße to Messetor 1. This does not allow unrestricted driving on nearby streets.

A green German emissions sticker (Umweltplakette) is required to enter the Düsseldorf low-emission zone unless your vehicle is exempt. The requirement also applies to vehicles registered outside Germany.

Attach the sticker clearly to the inside of the windscreen. It must show your vehicle’s current registration number. Vehicle documents and an order confirmation do not replace the physical sticker. The same valid green sticker is accepted in every German low-emission zone.

Exemptions

National exemptions include motorcycles and other two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles, certain working and emergency vehicles, and qualifying historic vehicles. The law also provides exemptions for transporting people with specified disabilities, subject to the required evidence.

Vehicles displaying electric-vehicle identification recognised under section 11 of the German Vehicle Registration Regulation (FZV) are also exempt. For a foreign-registered vehicle, this may be an equivalent foreign marking or a blue German E sticker. Electric or hybrid propulsion alone does not qualify without the required identification.

The full national exemptions are listed in Annex 3 to the 35th BImSchV. You can apply to the local authority for an individual exemption in qualifying circumstances. Obtain any required permit before travelling; submitting an application does not authorise entry.

When the rules apply

All year, 24 hours a day, including weekends and public holidays.

Penalties

The German penalty schedule sets a standard fine of €100 for a low-emission-zone offence. Administrative fees and expenses may be added. Other traffic offences are assessed separately.