15 Nov 2018

New law to avoid diesel driving bans passed by cabinet

Clean Energy Wire

Germany’s government cabinet has decided on an amendment of the federal imissions law to prevent diesel driving bans in cities where nitrogen oxide limits are exceeded by 25 percent (50 micrograms NO₂ per cubic meter air instead of 40 micrograms). Under the new law, driving bans will only be seen as a proportionate measure to ensure clean air in cities if they are higher than 50 micrograms. If values don’t rise over 50 micrograms it is to be assumed that diesel car software updates and other clean air measures of the local authorities are sufficient to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution. The government also decided on the diesel cars which are allowed to drive in polluted cities, e.g. those which have received software or hardware updates. The cabinet will notify the European Commission of these changes since the NOx pollution limits stem from EU regulation.

See the press release in German here.

See CLEW's Q&A on diesel driving bans for background.

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