Questions and answers on the diesel ban in Germany

This article is dated as shown. Laws, fees and prices have changed since then. Check the figures before you rely on them.

This FAQ was published on 12.03.2018 and reflects the debate on diesel restrictions at that time. Hamburg lifted the restrictions on Max-Brauer-Allee and Stresemannstraße in September 2023. This change does not describe the situation in all other cities; each route is checked separately.

Local diesel bans can only be the last resort of a comprehensive action plan to improve air quality in cities.

From the article of 12.03.2018: “In addition, legal requirements must be adopted at federal level to enable the retrofitting of Euro 5 diesel cars. Extensive tests have shown that retrofitting such cars can lead to a significant reduction in emissions.”

Which cars are affected by the ban?

From the article of 12.03.2018: “In the current debate, diesel cars that do not meet the Euro 6 standard fall under the ban. But Euro 5 cars are still a common sight. Retrofitting these cars is technically possible. The legislator is obliged to provide the necessary conditions and requirements for approving the retrofit.”

Can I have my car retrofitted today?

In the FAQ of 12.03.2018 the author described NOx reduction systems as not yet approved and still under testing. That is an assessment from that period. For a specific car, the possibility of a retrofit and its approval are checked separately.

What happens if you ignore the driving ban?

The amount of 80 euros refers to the text of March 2018, not to the current fine. From the article of 12.03.2018: “At present, the fine for driving in low emission zones without the mandatory particulate sticker is 80 euros.”

What about foreign-registered cars?

This rule applies to all cars, regardless of where they are registered.

Should there be exceptions?

Following the court ruling there are sufficient exceptions, for example for tradespeople or certain local groups.

It continues to apply in low emission zones, as their purpose is to reduce particulate matter.

Which car (new or used) should I buy now? Anyone who wants to keep driving in urban low emission zones should choose a diesel car with the new Euro 6d TEMP or Euro 6d emissions standard. Or wait with the diesel purchase until suitable vehicles with the new exhaust standard are available, because there is a risk that you will no longer be able to drive in the medium term due to high nitrogen oxide emissions.