In order to improve overall air quality, the cities of Wiesbaden and Mainz are following the example of other cities in Germany such as Heidelberg and Mannheim and will begin implementing a joint environmental zone,
"Umweltzone" for the downtown areas where only motor vehicles with a "green decal" will be admitted, starting Feb. 1. (There will be a transition period of six weeks where ticket will not be distributed.) This environmental decal certifies that the vehicle is manufactured to an acceptable emissions standard in those areas. Drivers entering an environmental zone without the appropriate decal may be subject to a €40 fine by local authorities. Options in such cases include upgrading the vehicle to bring it in compliance with the required emission standards, replacing the vehicle with one that meets the standards or park the vehicle outside the environmental zone and use connecting public transportation. POV owners who do not currently have a green decal displayed behind their windshield should contact Vehicle Registration at mil 337-7819 or civ (0611) 705-7819, Mainz-Kastel Housing Bldg. 7514, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The applicable environmental zone can be viewed at
http://www.wiesbaden.de/medien/dokumente/leben/verkehr/UmweltzoneFeinInternet-130102.pdf. Also read the
USAREUR Emission Decal Letter of Instruction