If you’re traveling by car in Germany, you may wonder, “Do I need a vignette for Germany?”
You might already know that many European countries like Austria require a vignette to drive on their motorways, but Germany works a little differently!
While there’s no Germany Autobahn vignette for passenger vehicles, you’ll still need an environmental sticker—the Umweltplakette (Feinstaubplakette) —to enter certain low-emission zones in 37 German cities.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including whether Germany has toll roads, how to get the right sticker for your foreign car, and what to do when crossing borders into neighboring countries that require a vignette.
By the end, you’ll be fully prepared for your trip through Germany’s famous Autobahn and beyond!
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Do You Need a Vignette to Drive in Germany?
Let’s get straight to the point: No, you don’t need a vignette to drive on Germany’s Autobahn.
Germany is actually one of the few European countries where highways are toll-free for passenger cars.
However, there are two exceptions: the Warnow Tunnel in Rostock and the Herrentunnel in Lübeck, which both charge tolls. But for the vast majority of your travels on the famous Autobahn, you won’t have to worry about any toll fees.
If you’ve driven through countries like Austria or Switzerland, you’ll know the stress of needing a vignette to avoid heavy fines. Thankfully, Germany spares you that hassle—a small win, especially when you’re already budgeting for high gas prices and other travel expenses.
That said, Germany does have something else to keep in mind: environmental zones. Let’s dive into how these “Umweltzonen” work and what you need to know to stay compliant.

Environmental zones are specific areas in cities designed to reduce air pollution, and entry is restricted to vehicles with a valid Umweltplakette (environmental sticker).
It’s easy to confuse the environmental sticker with a vignette, but they serve very different purposes. Vignettes, like in Austria, are about accessing highways, while the Umweltplakette is all about controlling emissions in urban areas.
Keep on reading to find out where to get the Umweltplakette (environmental sticker).
What Is the Umweltplakette (Environmental Sticker)?
If you plan on driving into a major German city like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt, you’ve got to know about this little green sticker.
Germany has 37 environmental zones. You have to get the green sticker, and then you can enter all environmental zones. You can see the complete list here: Environmental Zones in Germany List
Those zones are part of Germany’s effort to improve air quality by restricting access to certain low-emission zones, or Umweltzonen, to only vehicles that meet strict pollution standards. Without the sticker, you can’t legally drive in these zones—and yes, that includes foreign cars and rental cars too!
The sticker system is pretty straightforward, though. Vehicles are assigned into different emission categories based on how environmentally friendly they are.
Depending on your car’s emission level, you’ll get a color-coded Umweltplakette.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Green Sticker: Cars with the lowest emissions (Euro 4 or higher for diesel, Euro 1 or higher for petrol) – authorized to enter the low-emission zones
- Yellow Sticker: Moderate emissions (Euro 3 diesel)
- Red Sticker: High emissions (Euro 2 diesel)
Which Vehicles Are Exempt?
Some vehicles don’t require an Umweltplakette, but the list is pretty short: German classic cars with a historical designation are exempt. You can identify historic vehicles by the “H” at the end of their license plate (for “Historisches Fahrzeug”).
However, here’s where people often get confused: electric cars are not exempt. Even though they have zero emissions, electric vehicles still require a green Umweltplakette to enter low-emission zones.
Where Can You Buy an Environmental Sticker in Germany?
When we got our Umweltplakette for our Opel Corsa, the process was actually super easy.
We went to a GTÜ shop, where we were also doing our TÜV inspection (= technical inspection). All we needed was the Fahrzeugschein (vehicle registration certificate), and within minutes, they issued the green sticker. The whole thing only cost us €5—talk about a no-brainer!
If you’re wondering where to get yours, you have a few options. TÜV, DEKRA, and GTÜ centers across Germany provide them.
Do foreign vehicles need an environmental sticker?
Many travelers assume that environmental regulations in Germany only apply to local drivers, but that’s not the case.
Foreign-registered vehicles are also required to display a valid Umweltplakette when entering low-emission zones (Umweltzonen).
Where Can Foreign Drivers Buy Environmental Stickers?
If you’re driving a foreign-registered vehicle in Germany and need an environmental sticker there are multiple options to buy one.
The sticker is valid nationwide and does not expire, as long as your vehicle keeps the same license plate. You can purchase it either in person or online.
In-Person Purchase
You can obtain the Umweltplakette at various locations throughout Germany, including:
- Vehicle registration offices (Kraftfahrzeug-Zulassungsstellen) in cities and districts
- Technical inspection centers like TÜV, DEKRA, and GTÜ
- Authorized repair shops
Online Purchase
If you prefer the convenience of ordering online, use these official sites:
- DEKRA:
German site - TÜV Süd:
Order here - TÜV Nord
Order here - GTÜ:
More information
Hotel Assistance
Planning to stay at a hotel in an environmental zone in Germany during your trip? Some hotels can arrange for an environmental sticker on your behalf. When booking your stay, ask the hotel if they can provide the sticker.
It’s important to understand that the requirement only applies to driving within these environmental zones. If you’re simply passing through on the German Autobahn or traveling outside city centers, you won’t need the sticker. However, if you plan to explore city streets by car—even just for a quick visit.
Crossing Borders: Do You Need a Vignette in Neighboring Countries?
Now, let’s talk about the vignette (toll fee) again which is required to use highways and expressways in some European countries.
As already mentioned, Germany doesn’t require a vignette for its Autobahns. However, the rules change as soon as you cross the border to some of the neighboring countries of Germany.
Nine European countries—including Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Hungary—require a vignette for highway travel.
Each country has its own regulations for how long the vignette is valid and how much it costs. For example, Austria offers a 10-day vignette for €12.40, while Switzerland only sells a year-long sticker for CHF 40 (around €42).
You can buy vignettes at several convenient locations, including:
- Highway gas stations and rest stops
- Online through official websites, such as ASFINAG (Austria)
Make sure to get your vignette before hitting the highway—fines for not having one can be steep!
FAQ Section: Vignette for Germany
Do I need a vignette for Germany?
No, you don’t need a vignette to drive on German Autobahns. However, you’ll need an environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter low-emission zones in certain cities.
What is the price of a vignette in Germany?
Germany does not have a vignette system for passenger cars. Instead, you need an environmental sticker, which typically costs €5–€20.
Where can I buy a vignette or environmental sticker for Germany?
You can buy the Umweltplakette at TÜV and DEKRA testing centers, authorized garages, or online. If traveling to neighboring countries like Austria, vignettes can be purchased at gas stations near the border or online.
Are there toll roads in Germany?
Germany’s highways are toll-free for passenger cars, but heavy vehicles like trucks are subject to tolls. Additionally, some specific roads, such as bridges and tunnels, may have toll fees.
What happens if I drive without an environmental sticker in Germany?
Driving in an environmental zone without the correct sticker can result in a fine. Therefore, plan your route to avoid these zones if your car is not authorized to enter those zones.
How much is a 10 day vignette in Germany?
There is no vignette in Germany, therefore there is no price for a 10 day vignette.
Conclusion: You don’t need a vignette for a passenger car in Germany but you need an environmental sticker
While Germany doesn’t require a vignette for motorway travel, understanding the Umweltplakette system is crucial for drivers entering cities with low-emission zones.
By getting the correct environmental sticker and knowing where tolls apply in neighboring countries, you can avoid fines and enjoy a smooth road trip.
Planning to drive across borders? Check out our Guide on Renting a Car in Munich and Driving to Austria to ensure you’re prepared for international travel rules. If you’re new to driving in Germany, don’t miss our comprehensive guide: Renting a Car in Germany – Everything You Need to Know.