Motorbike, camper, trailer: who needs the German eco sticker?

Planning a trip to Germany on a motorbike or in a camper and not sure whether you need an eco sticker? The rules aren't the same for every vehicle — and getting it wrong can cost you a €100 fine.

Motorcycles: no sticker needed

Motorcycles are exempt from the Umweltplakette requirement in low-emission zones. You can ride into central Berlin, Munich or Stuttgart without one. Just watch for local access bans that have nothing to do with the sticker.

Motorhomes: sticker required

In an Umweltzone, a motorhome is treated like any other motor vehicle. No sticker, no entry — and that includes campsites located inside a zone. The colour depends on the emission class: newer diesel campers (Euro 4 with a particulate filter and up) get green. Older vans often only qualify for yellow or red, which keeps you out of most zones. Retrofitting a DPF can sometimes upgrade you.

Trailers and caravans: no sticker

A towed caravan or trailer doesn't need a sticker. Only the towing vehicle counts — and that one needs a green one.

Before you set off

Check the emission class in your registration papers and see whether your route or campsite sits inside an Umweltzone. Order the sticker early so it arrives by post in time.

You can get a green sticker for your car or camper online at nemeckaplaketa.cz — just upload your registration certificate.