Environmental Zones in Germany.

[chris f]

Just read a report in uk press that increasing number of cities and even small towns in Germany have designated Environmental Zones and entry only permitted if vehicle displays appropriate permit, purchased in advance. Having read the report and browsed the web, I am uncertain if this applies to motorbikes.Fine of €40 for non compliance.
Apparently this scheme began in 2007 and is spreading. My last bike trip through Germany was in 2010 and I don't remember seeing any signs about these zones [ maybe I was just lucky??!]. I am planning to visit Alps again this year, riding through Germany en route and although I avoid big cities and towns wonder if I need to invest in a sticker for smaller places?
Any experience / advice from regular visitors or members living in Germany regarding the need for sticker and, if so, easiest way to obtain?

[pingvin]

Just take off licence plate when you park...problem solved

[Michael J]

I wonder how they would cope with my Virginia plate?

[tim]

I wonder how they would cope with my Virginia plate?

They'd put your number on the register and if you get stopped for anything later - speeding, random customs check, they'll nab you for that then as well.

[iomrob]

Mark should know this . never heard of this and been touring in Germany the last couple of years, {and a week this June also} . my German friend has never mentioned this and he has is own little moto repair shop. I know he has trouble getting bikes through the yearly test over there in his area, as they are strict on certain regulations, after market parts, tyre size emissions ect. so he takes the bikes to the neighbouring area to get them through as they are more relaxed . I will be phonning him in the next couple of days, so will ask.

[tim]

There are places that you can only go if you have a certain level of catalyser when the air becomes polluted. There is an octagonal windscreen sticker for that, but I don't know how it applies to bikes, or foreigners.

[chris f]

Mark should know this . never heard of this and been touring in Germany the last couple of years, {and a week this June also} . my German friend has never mentioned this and he has is own little moto repair shop. I know he has trouble getting bikes through the yearly test over there in his area, as they are strict on certain regulations, after market parts, tyre size emissions ect. so he takes the bikes to the neighbouring area to get them through as they are more relaxed . I will be phonning him in the next couple of days, so will ask.

Thanks Rob --- intersted to hear what your friend has to say. After reading the article in Telegraph Motoring Supplement about "Umweltplacette", I did a bit of Googling and found various bits of info but most of it mentioned word "car" or "vehicle" and that it applies to tourists, unclear if refers to bikes but I suspect it does.
Basically, you apply to German equivalent of our MoT organisation with vehicle details, they don't examine the vehicle, just check its emmisions rating by EU and for fee of about €12 they issue an appropriate coloured sticker that is valid for life of the vehicle. Places that have imposed anti pollution zones display restriction signs and your vehicle can only enter the zone if it has a sticker compatible with zone limits.[possibly need to throw a six before leaving home ??!!].
All sounds a beurocratic nightmare ---- may just be easier to make sure our routes avoid the regulated zones?!
look forward to your mates feedback.

[tim]

I think Mark's in New Zealand or somewhere at the moment. I'm sure he'll have answer when he gets back.

[Marv968]

I think Mark's in New Zealand or somewhere at the moment. I'm sure he'll have answer when he gets back.

I was there in January.

Hope Mark found some of the roads I did...there's some brilliant ones out there!

[chris f]

Looks as though article in UK press was aimed mainly at cars. Rules are:-

Who is not affected by the fine particle regulations?
Mopeds, light motorcycles, motorbikes, motor scooters and motor vehicles with only three wheels Agriculture and forestry tractors Mobile machines and devices Work machines Ambulances and medical vehicles identified with “Arzt Notfalleinsatz“ (Emergency Doctor) Motor vehicles for the severely disabled whose disabled person’s passes are marked with “aG“, “H“ or “BI“ Vintage cars with an H sign or with a red “07 number“

Above info from: http://www.tuev-nord.de/de/verkehr/ENGL ... e_8648.htm

Happy days !!

[Mark]

Better late than never...
The regulations do not apply to bikes.

And the stickers are now round rather than octagonal and coloured from red (dirty emissions) to green (clean).

[Marv968]

What did you think of New Zealand then Mark?