Where to stick your German emissions sticker (and when to replace it)

Your sticker arrived in the post — now what? Slapping it on "somewhere" can backfire. If it isn't visible or doesn't match your car, German police treat it as if you have no sticker at all, and that's a €100 fine.

Where exactly

The sticker goes on the inside of the windscreen, clearly readable from outside. The recommended spot is the lower right corner (passenger side in left-hand-drive cars). Before you apply it:

- degrease the glass (window cleaner is fine, let it dry),

- avoid the tinted strip and the black dotted border at the edge,

- keep it out of areas covered by the wiper or a mount.

It doesn't count if it's lying behind the glass, sitting in a holder or taped on. It has to be properly stuck.

When you need a new one

The sticker is tied to one specific number plate — it's written right on it. You'll need a new one when:

- you replace the windscreen (it's security film and tears apart if peeled off),

- the car gets new registration plates,

- you buy a used car — the previous owner's sticker won't match your plate.

Tip before your trip

Order in advance; delivery by post takes a few days. Have a photo of your vehicle registration document ready — that's how the emission class is determined.

Get yours online at nemeckaplaketa.cz — it arrives at your door with application instructions.