Eschweiler low-emission zone: map and entry rules

The zone covers part of Eschweiler. As well as a map, the city publishes a list of the streets and sections included.

Areas covered

Examples include Indestraße, Grabenstraße and Marktstraße. Only certain sections of Dürener Straße, Hompeschstraße and Jülicher Straße are included.

Through routes and roads outside the zone

You can stay on the A4 without a sticker. After leaving it, the requirement depends on your destination and the streets you use to reach it.

A green German emissions sticker (Umweltplakette) is required to enter the Eschweiler 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.