Apply for an exemption to enter Bremen's low-emission zone

The low-emission zone is a geographically defined area in which only passenger cars and trucks that meet a specific emissions standard are permitted to drive. Vehicles with high pollutant emissions are prohibited from driving in this zone. To drive in the low-emission zone, residents therefore need a pollution-based permit—a particulate matter or environmental sticker—for their vehicle. If you do not have one, you can apply for an exemption under certain conditions: 

Eligible applicants are individuals for whom driving in the low-emission zone is in the public interest, or is necessary due to overriding and urgent individual interests, or if the implementation of the zone would impose an unreasonable economic or social burden on the individual. Whether you can obtain an exemption depends on various factors. There are three cases in which the general requirements for granting an exemption are met:

• Either the vehicle cannot be technically retrofitted with commercially available kits to meet the applicable emissions standard, and it is financially unreasonable for the owner to purchase a suitable replacement vehicle.
• Or there are delays in retrofitting or purchasing a replacement, for example, due to supply shortages of technical components.
• Or the retrofitting itself would cause economic or social hardship for the owner.

In all cases, the vehicle must have been registered in the applicant’s name before June 17, 2008.

Exemptions may also be granted if specific requirements are met. People with severe disabilities (with the “G” designation on their disability ID card), commuters, and residents of the low-emission zone may be granted an exemption for private trips within the low-emission zone under these conditions.

Certain types of company vehicles that meet specific requirements may also be exempt from the driving ban in the low-emission zone. This applies to special-purpose vehicles, so-called cases of economic hardship, and certain market vehicles.

There are some motor vehicles that are generally exempt from the low-emission zone regulations. These vehicles do not require a sticker or an exemption permit:

• two- and three-wheeled motor vehicles
• Classic cars with the additional license plate letter “H”
• Vehicles driven by or carrying persons whose disability ID card bears the codes “aG,” “H,” or “Bl”
• Vehicles with temporary license plates
• Passenger cars belonging to visitors who have booked a hotel room within the low-emission zone (the booking confirmation serves as proof and must be displayed visibly behind the car’s windshield)
• RV’s traveling on specific routes and taking the direct route to the “Zum Kuhhirten” parking area
• Agricultural and forestry tractors and work machines.
• Vehicles traveling to and from a repair shop within the low-emission zone, provided a confirmation of the appointment from the repair shop can be presented
• Vehicles traveling in connection with a police or calibration inspection, with proof of the appointment.

Requirements

Eligible individuals are:

• Residents of the low-emission zone
• Commuters
• People with severe disabilities (with the “G” designation)

Those eligible to apply for commercial use are:

• Companies for which driving within the low-emission zone is in the public interest or is necessary due to the overriding and urgent interests of individuals.