Hannover Low Emission Zone

On January 1, 2008, Hannover joined Berlin and Cologne in an effort to lower the health risks associated with motor vehicle exhaust in their respective city centers. The introduction of the "Low Emission Zone" together with other clean air plan measures aim to reduce health risk for people in the city of Hannover.

1. What is a Low Emission Zone?

   A restricted area from which motor vehicles with high fine dust and nitrogen oxide emissions are banned. These vehicles will be refused access to the city centre in three stages. With the help of a compulsory permit disc ("Plakette") compliance with the new regulations can be monitored. The Low Emission Zone was introduced in Hannover on January 1, 2008. For vehicles with a foreign number plate display of a permit disc applies in Hannover as from January 1, 2009.

2. Where is the Low Emission Zone and how to recognise it?

   It covers the area limited by the Südschnellweg, Westschnellweg and Messeschnellweg urban motorways and Sahlkamp to the north. Please find more specific details on a map in the PDF below. The Low Emission Zone is marked by road signs on its borders. The Low Emission Zone discs on the additional sign show which vehicles can enter the zone. A sign shows when you are leaving the Low Emission Zone.

3. What are the regulations?

   As from 2009 only cars displaying a yellow or green disc may drive within the Low Emission Zone. From 2010 onwards the Low Emission Zone is open only to vehicles with a green disc. The allocation is made according to the emission categories which are named in the PDF below. Driving into the Low Emission Zone without a permit causes a € 40 fine and a penalty point in the Central Register of Traffic Offenders in Flensburg. Also parking of the vehicle in the zone is forbidden.

4. Where to get an permit disc?

   Permit discs are available at all approved vehicle testing stations, "AU" approved garages and vehicle registration offices. In Hannover all the "Bürgerämter" also issue discs. Take a registration certificate ("Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1, Fahrzeugschein"). Charge: € 5.40. If you do not intend to drive into or across the Low Emission Zone you do not need a permit disc. If you would like to order your sticker online, please go to link.

For more detailed information please see the PDF below.

Hannover Low Emission Zone
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