Environmental Badge (Feinstaubplakette) in Berlin-Rudow

What is it about?

The environmental badge, known in German as Umweltplakette or Feinstaubplakette, is a sticker linked to the vehicle's number plate, granting access to German low-emission zones (Umweltzonen). The legal basis is the 35. Bundes-Immissionsschutzverordnung (35. BImSchV), the federal emission control regulation.

Depending on your vehicle's emissions group, you receive a red, yellow or green badge. In most German low-emission zones, including Berlin, a green badge is required today.

At the TÜV NORD Station Berlin-Rudow, we issue your environmental badge.

What to bring

• Vehicle registration certificate Part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I, Fahrzeugschein), it contains the emission code number (Emissionsschlüsselnummer) needed for classification (point 14.1, the last two digits)

That's all, issuance typically takes only a few minutes.

Emissions groups and badge colours

Your vehicle's classification is based on the Emissionsschlüsselnummer in the registration certificate Part I:

• Emissions group 1, no badge (e.g. diesel vehicles with Euro 1 or worse, petrol engines without regulated catalytic converter)
• Emissions group 2, red badge
• Emissions group 3, yellow badge
• Emissions group 4, green badge (also covers electric and fuel-cell vehicles)

Rules of thumb: petrol engines with regulated catalytic converter generally receive the green badge. Diesel vehicles need at least Euro 4 to qualify for the green badge.

Important notes

Placement

The badge must be affixed clearly visible from inside on the front windscreen, the recommended position is the lower passenger-side area.

Number plate binding

The badge is linked to the registration plate. If the plate changes (e.g. re-registration), a new badge is required.

Validity

The badge is unlimited in duration, provided it remains legible and the registered plate does not change. Faded or illegible badges are considered invalid and must be replaced.

Foreign-registered vehicles

Vehicles registered abroad also need an environmental badge to enter German low-emission zones.

Exemptions

Among others, the following vehicles do not require an environmental badge: classic vehicles with H-Kennzeichen (historic plate), motorcycles and three-wheeled motor vehicles, working machines, agricultural and forestry tractors, as well as ambulances.