From 1 March 2008, restricted driving zones may be imposed for certain vehicles which generate heavy emissions. They will be marked with a new “environmental zone” traffic sign. There will also be such a zone in Stuttgart from 1 March 2008. This will comprise the entire city area.

As the new Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre is situated outside of Stuttgart city, you will not need an environmental disc for your visit to the trade fair. Please be aware that you will need an emissions disc for a subsequent visit to or an overnight stay in Stuttgart city.

Which vehicles are affected?
All vehicles are classified in one of 4 groups according to the level of their pollutant emissions. In Stuttgart the ban applies to all vehicles in Group 1. The emission code number in your vehicle documents will tell you which group your vehicle belongs to.

Which vehicles are exempt?
In accordance with the air pollution prevention scheme of the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart, only vehicles are permitted to drive in the Stuttgart environment zone which display a Group 2 (red, valid up to 2012), Group 3 (yellow) or Group 4 (green) sticker.

How and where can the particulate emissions stickers be obtained?
Particulate emissions stickers are available from the city of Stuttgart for a charge of € 6.00 each. They can be ordered on-line or purchased from vehicle registration centres and local authorities.

Do tourists require a sticker?
Tourists from abroad and from other parts of Germany also require a sticker. The ADAC automobile association advises drivers to obtain a sticker well in advance of their trip as it usually takes 2-3 weeks for the sticker to arrive. The easiest way to buy one is through the internet. The ADAC provides useful tips under http://www.adac.de/umweltzonen. Hotels can also be of assistance in procuring a sticker for their guests if required.It is advisable to avoid internet purchases at unrealistic prices. The whole procedure should not cost more than € 10.-. In the case of last-minute trips, foreign visitors can also drive directly to one of the German sales points. If it is not possible to classify a vehicle by means of its documents, the date of the original registration will apply. Thus all petrol-driven cars registered after 01.01.1993 will receive a sticker. Diesel vehicles with no fine particulate air filter must have been registered after 31.12.1996 in order to qualify for one. Drivers without a sticker who wish to enter a green zone at the weekend must park their vehicle at the edge of the zone and continue their journey with the ÖPNV public transport network or by taxi.