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Beginning of a traffic-prohibition zone to reduce harmful air pollution in a zone
Regulatory prohibition 1. Participation in traffic with a motor vehicle within a zone marked in this way is prohibited. 2. § 1 paragraph 2 and § 2 paragraph 3 in conjunction with Annex 3 to the Regulation on the Marking of Motor Vehicles with a Low Contribution to Pollution dated 10 October 2006 (BGBl. I p. 2218), as amended by Article 1 of the Regulation dated 5 December 2007 (BGBl. I p. 2793), remain unaffected. The exceptions may be permitted in individual cases or generally by Zusatzzeichen or a general administrative order. 3. Motor vehicles for transporting persons with severe disabilities who have exceptional walking impairment, bilateral amelia or phocomelia, or comparable functional impairments, as well as blind persons, are also exempt from the prohibition on participating in traffic. Explanation The environmental zone is established to prevent harmful environmental impacts from air pollution in an air-quality plan or a plan for measures to be taken at short notice under § 47 paragraphs 1 or 2 of the Federal Immission Control Act and ordered on the basis of § 40 paragraph 1 of the Federal Immission Control Act. The marking of the environmental zone is carried out on the basis of § 45 paragraph 1f.
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When you see the Zeichen
Before entering, check whether your motor vehicle displays the Umweltplakette required on the Zusatzzeichen or falls under an approved exception. If not, you may not enter the environmental zone and must choose another route. The restriction applies throughout the entire zone up to Zeichen 270.2 “End of an environmental zone”.
Rules
- Zeichen 270.1 marks the beginning of an environmental zone; as a rule, the traffic restriction applies to motor vehicles throughout the entire zone.
- A Zusatzzeichen usually indicates which Umweltplakette is required to drive in the zone; most environmental zones require a green Umweltplakette.
- The Umweltplakette must be clearly visible on the inside of the windscreen, and the registration number shown on it must match the vehicle’s registration number.
- Exceptions may arise from the regulation governing environmental zone stickers, a Zusatzzeichen, a general administrative order or an individual exemption granted by the authorities.
- The zone restriction ends only at Zeichen 270.2 or when leaving the designated area, not already at the next junction.
Tips
- When entering, pay particular attention to the Zusatzzeichen below the zone sign, as it specifies the permitted Umweltplakette or any further exceptions.
- After changing your registration number, check whether the Umweltplakette also needs to be replaced.
- If you do not have the required Umweltplakette or have the wrong one, plan a detour in good time; even briefly driving through the zone is prohibited.
- For electric vehicles, do not rely solely on the E registration number; check whether an Umweltplakette or a local exemption is required.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 260. However, Zeichen 270.1 marks an area-wide environmental zone and does not categorically prohibit all journeys by every type of motor vehicle regardless of exemptions and Umweltplakette.
- Many learner drivers believe that the restriction ends at the next junction. As a zone restriction, however, it applies up to Zeichen 270.2 or until you leave the zone.
- A green Umweltplakette is confused with general permission to enter. What matters is always the specific Zusatzzeichen and any possible local regulations.
Exam tip
In theory-test questions, it is often crucial to recognise that Zeichen 270.1 marks the beginning of a zone: the restriction does not apply only to the road immediately beyond the sign and does not end at a junction. Also always check the Zusatzzeichen shown, as it specifies which Umweltplakette authorises entry.
Did you know
The first German environmental zones were established on 1 January 2008, including in Berlin, Cologne and Hanover. They are based on air quality plans and are intended to reduce pollution from airborne pollutants.
Frequently asked questions
May I drive through the zone briefly without an Umweltplakette?
No. Even briefly driving through the zone is generally prohibited if you do not have the required Umweltplakette or a recognised exemption.
Does a vehicle registered abroad also need an Umweltplakette?
Yes, the environmental zone rules generally also apply to motor vehicles registered abroad. Unless an exception applies, the required German Umweltplakette must be obtained before entering the zone.
Does an electric car automatically not need an Umweltplakette?
No. The E registration number generally does not replace the Umweltplakette; an electric car also usually needs a green Umweltplakette unless a specific exception applies.
Does the restriction also apply to motorcycles?
Under the regulation governing environmental zone stickers, two- and three-wheeled motor vehicles are generally exempt from environmental zone restrictions. They therefore usually do not need an Umweltplakette.
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Other Zeichen in the same category
Prohibition for vehicles of all kinds
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Prohibition for motorcycles
Prohibition for pedestrians
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking