Classic cars in low-emission zones
Independent, non-governmental site: not an authority’s service, no sticker sales.
Pick your classic’s plate: the check shows whether number 10 of Annex 3 applies and what holds otherwise.
Classic car with H plate
Exempt, no sticker needed
Annex 3 no. 10 of the 35th BImSchV
| Condition | Classic car under FZV s. 2 no. 22: at least 30 years old, expert report, H on the plate |
| Without sticker in a zone | €0 |
| Otherwise possible | city exemption permit (s. 1(2)) |
For the diesel bans in Stuttgart, Munich and Darmstadt, the exemptions of each city’s own order apply.
35th BImSchV, Annex 3: vehicles exempt from the sticker · BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 278
A classic car may enter any low-emission zone without a sticker if it is registered as one. Annex 3 number 10 of the 35th BImSchV exempts classic vehicles as defined in section 2 number 22 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance that carry a classic-car plate: the H plate, or the red classic plate beginning with 07. The annex still cites the ordinance’s old numbering (section 9(1) and section 17); in the current version the H plate is in section 10(1) and the red 07 plate in section 43. A classic in this sense is a vehicle that first entered service at least 30 years ago, is largely original, well preserved and serves to maintain automotive heritage; an expert report under section 23 StVZO confirms this. A 30-year-old car on an ordinary plate is not a classic for this exemption and needs the sticker for its emission group, usually in vain, since a diesel of that age rarely gets beyond yellow. The exemption also covers vehicles registered in another EU member state, an EEA state or Turkey if they meet equivalent requirements. The text does not say what proof is needed for that; we mark it as not confirmed.
Checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
Which classics are exempt
| Vehicle | Into the zone without a sticker? |
|---|---|
| H plate (FZV section 10(1)) | yes |
| Red 07 plate (FZV section 43), for permitted trips | yes |
| Classic from the EU, EEA or Turkey meeting equivalent requirements | yes, proof not confirmed |
| 30-year-old vehicle on an ordinary plate | no, sticker by emission group |
| Youngtimer (20 to 29 years old) | no |
Getting an H plate
An officially recognised expert inspects the vehicle under section 23 StVZO. With the report, the registration office issues the H plate; from then on the exemption applies in every zone with no further application. A green sticker is not needed but may stay on.
Out and about with a classic
Classic-car meetings often take place in city centres that have a zone. Support vehicles, such as an older tow car with a trailer, are not covered and need their own sticker. Motorhomes with an H plate are exempt like any other classic; see motorhomes.