The environmental zone of Frankfurt Main (blue)
Following the verdict of the Administrative Court in Wiesbaden on 05.09.2018 against the city of Frankfurt/Main, as per request of the German Association for the Environment (DUH), driving bans have been imposed due to the high pollution levels in the city. From arround 01.12.2019, driving bans will be applied to diesel vehicles that do not meet at least the EURO 5 standard. Petrol vehicles with EURO 1 and 2 standards are also affected.
In 2020, the city will have to drastically reduce its nitrogen oxides levels again due to a judgement of the Administrative Court of Kassel on 10.12.2019. If this does not succeed and the values are considered too high in a review at the beginning of 2021, a driving ban for diesel vehicles that do not meet the EURO 6 standard will be imposed in 2021. The blue environmental zone covers the same area as the green environmental zone. It is located within the A3, A5 and A661 ring road.
Following the Federal Administrative Court’s decision on 27.02.2018, diesel driving restrictions can be legally imposed by German cities and municipalities. Individual streets or whole areas can become diesel restriction zones. These diesel restriction zones (blue zones) can affect different EURO standards and vehicle types and can even be time-limited.
Table overview of the environmental zone
The Blue Badge for Diesel Restriction Zones
In Germany, the Blue Badge might be introduced in 2020. It is required to access diesel restriction zones.
In 2020, cities and communities will introduce driving restrictions for various EURO classes of diesel vehicles. Therefore, the Blue Badge becomes a need in order to distinguish older diesel vehicles and EURO classes as well as petrol vehicles without particle filter from vehicles with a lower emission of pollutants.
Vehicles which should get a Blue Badge
General information about diesel restriction zones and implementation.
Already set diesel restriction zones (Blue Zones): Hamburg and Stuttgart
Possible cities and municipalities for diesel restriction zones