Pforzheim low-emission zone: map and entry rules

Pforzheim’s low-emission zone covers part of the city. Use the map to check the boundary and look for Umweltzone signs on the approach roads.

Areas covered

Driving straight to a hotel or car park inside the zone still counts as entering it. You need the green sticker before you cross the boundary.

Through routes and roads outside the zone

You can travel along the A8 between Karlsruhe and Stuttgart without a sticker. If you leave for the B10, B294 or B463, check the rest of your route into Pforzheim.

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