Press Release
The European Consumer Centre – Malta (ECC) would like to draw the attention of travellers to Germany which intend using their own, or rented vehicles about a ban on driving in several German cities for pollutive cars.
Berlin, Cologne and Hannover have already established city zones where pollutive cars are banned. Several other German cities will soon follow this example.
The so called „Umweltzonen“ were established to reduce particulate matter in these cities. Within these environmental zones you are only allowed to drive with a badge that certifies the pollutant class of your car. Cars with the highest pollutant class will not get the badge meaning that you are not allowed to drive in these „Umweltzonen“.
If you drive without such a badge within one of the „Umweltzonen“ you will have to pay a fine. This rule is also applicable for cars which are not registered in Germany.
Where can I get the badge?
You can get the required badge at the rural district offices (Landratsamt). Furthermore at 30.000 garages in Germany and at several organisations (e.g. DEKRA, TÜV). In general the badge is only available in Germany.
Can I also order the badge in my home country?
It is possible to order the badge under the following e-mail address:
kfz-zulassung@labo.verwalt-berlin.de
With the e-mail you have to enclose a copy of the manufacturer certification and a copy of the car documents.
Hired cars also need such a badge to enter the city zones. Most cars that can be hired from a company will have the requested badge but if you will be entering the city zones of the above mentioned cities it would be prudent to confirm that the car you are renting has access to these zones. There should not be an extra charge if the car you hire has a badge.
For further information please contact ECC Malta on ecc.malta@gov.mt