Forging the emissions sticker (Umweltplakette) in Germany: A traffic offence? No—an immediate criminal offence
In Germany, the environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) is a key requirement for entering many restricted environmental zones (Umweltzonen) in major cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. While some people see it as a small detail placed on the windshield, forging it or using it unlawfully is considered a criminal offence that is punished strictly under German law.
This article explains why it is not treated as a normal traffic violation, but rather a direct breach of German criminal law (StGB), what penalties may follow, and who can be held responsible when a forged sticker is used.
What is the Umweltplakette (emissions sticker)?
It is a green, yellow, or red environmental sticker placed on the windshield that shows a vehicle’s emissions category. Its purpose is to regulate vehicle access to environmental zones (Umweltzonen) within cities, and it is mandatory for all vehicles—including foreign vehicles—entering these areas.
The sticker is issued by TÜV, DEKRA, or authorized offices after checking the vehicle specifications, and it is individually linked to the vehicle’s license plate number.
What counts as “forging” the sticker?
Forgery or unlawful use includes, for example:
printing a fake sticker online
buying a real sticker and using it on a different vehicle than the one registered on it
tampering with the license plate number printed on it
transferring a sticker from one car to another
falsifying its data using Photoshop or manual printing
All of these actions are classified as document forgery (Urkundenfälschung) under § 267 of the German Criminal Code (StGB).
What is the legal penalty? Not just a fine—possible imprisonment
Under § 267 StGB, anyone who commits document forgery (including an Umweltplakette) may be:
“punished by imprisonment of up to five years or a fine. In serious cases, imprisonment without suspension may be imposed.”
Liability is not limited to the person who forges it. It may also include:
the person who supplies the forged sticker
the person who knows it is forged and uses it
even the person who buys it online to avoid fees or penalties
Do the police treat this kind of forgery seriously?
Yes. In recent years, German police have intensified checks in Umweltzonen. Forged stickers are often detected through:
comparing the license plate number with the printed data
examining paper quality and printing method
checking against registered vehicle data
If forgery is suspected, the driver may be immediately referred to criminal investigation, and the public prosecutor’s office (Staatsanwaltschaft) is notified.
Additional consequences
temporary or permanent driving-licence withdrawal in some cases
points recorded in Flensburg (FAER)
higher insurance costs due to “fraudulent behaviour”
if linked to an accident or environmental offence: combined civil and criminal liability
Summary
Using a forged emissions sticker is not a “small trick” to bypass environmental rules—it is a clear criminal offence under German law. Consequences can range from significant fines to imprisonment and licence withdrawal, as well as lasting damage to the driver’s record.
Following the rules does not only show respect for the law—it also protects you from legal consequences that may affect your professional and social life.
— The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, mistakes or unconfirmed information may occur. Please treat the information as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed details.
