Low-emission zone news and changes
Changes, abolished zones and explanations of European city access rules, with update dates and official sources.
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German emissions sticker: the rules for 2026
An ordinary vehicle needs a green emissions sticker to enter a signposted German Umweltzone unless a recognised exemption applies. The sticker must show the current registration number and be affixed to the windscreen. A modern Euro standard alone does not replace it.
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Abolished German low-emission zones: cities and dates
Abolishing an Umweltzone ends the sticker requirement in that former zone, not across Germany. The UBA overview updated on 26 August 2026 lists 35 active and 23 abolished zones.
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Milan postpones selected Area B and Area C motorcycle restrictions
Milan postponed selected motorcycle and moped restrictions in Area B and Area C until 1 October 2027. This is not general permission for an older diesel car to enter.
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Oslo’s temporary diesel ban: when it can apply
A temporary diesel ban in Oslo is an emergency response to severe air pollution, not a permanent ban on older diesels throughout Norway. The current city notice determines whether a particular trip is affected.
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Dutch emission zones: passenger diesels and zero-emission deliveries
Dutch restrictions do not cover every vehicle in the same way. Conventional milieuzones and separate zero-emission logistics zones have different rules, including conditions based on first registration date.
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Kaunas low-emission zone: the €2 charge and access rules
Kaunas old town has an STZ reduced-pollution zone with a basic €2 charge. This differs from a German sticker-based zone: drivers mainly need to deal with a recorded journey, payment and any electronic permit.