Simple rental car oversight catches thousands of UK drivers off guard as cities crack down on emissions
Europe is currently experiencing record-breaking temperatures, with Portugal hitting 43°C and Spain recording its hottest June since records began in 1950. Health authorities have issued red alerts across 21 Italian cities, while France battles its first major forest fires of the season and Germany braces for temperatures reaching 39°C this week.
As Brits flock to cooler European destinations or brave the heat for summer holidays, there’s one thing rental car drivers absolutely must check before hitting the road – and most tourists have no idea about it.
The oversight could cost you hundreds in fines and turn your dream European road trip into a costly nightmare. Car expert Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts, warns that this simple check is more important than ever during heatwaves.
“When temperatures spike like this, European cities get much stricter about vehicle emissions,” explains Urbonas. “What many British tourists don’t realise is that their rental car might not have the right sticker to legally drive through major cities during these hot spells.”
The one thing you absolutely must check? Whether your rental car has the correct environmental emission sticker for the countries you’re visiting.
Urbonas, who oversees quality and compliance across thousands of automotive suppliers throughout Europe, has seen first hand how environmental regulations vary dramatically between countries – and how quickly they can change during extreme weather events. His expertise in navigating complex European automotive standards makes him uniquely positioned to help British drivers avoid these costly pitfalls. He elaborates below.
What Are Environmental Stickers?
Environmental stickers are country-specific low-emission zone tags that categorise vehicles based on their pollution levels. Each European nation has its own system with different names, colours, and requirements.
In France, it’s the Crit’Air sticker – a coloured disc that must be displayed on your windscreen. Germany requires the Umweltplakette, a green, yellow, or red sticker depending on your car’s emission standards. Italy uses ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) permits for restricted traffic zones, while Spain has ECO and ZERO labels.
“These aren’t simply decorative stickers,” warns Urbonas. “They’re legal requirements that determine where you can and cannot drive. Without the right one, you’re essentially driving illegally through major European cities.”
Why It Matters More During Heatwaves
When temperatures soar, air quality becomes a serious health concern. European cities respond by tightening restrictions on older, more polluting vehicles to reduce smog and protect public health.
During heatwaves, low-emission zones that might normally operate on weekdays only suddenly extend to weekends. Some cities create temporary restricted zones, while others lower the emission standards required for entry.
“We’re seeing cities like Paris, Berlin, and Milan become much more aggressive about enforcement when the mercury rises,” explains Urbonas. “What was a €80 fine last week could be €180+ this week, and some zones that were previously accessible become completely off-limits.”
The Common Tourist Mistake
Here’s where most British tourists get caught out: rental cars don’t automatically come with environmental stickers for every country you might visit.
Your rental company might provide a German sticker if you’re picking up in Munich, but if you decide to drive to France or Italy, you could be missing the required permits for those countries.
“I’ve spoken to countless drivers who assumed their rental car was road-ready for the entire EU,” says Urbonas. “They get a nasty shock when they’re pulled over in Lyon or Rome and discover they’re missing a €4 sticker – and facing a €150 fine.”
Even worse, some rental companies charge extortionate fees for these stickers, or don’t offer them at all for certain countries.
What To Check Before You Drive
Before collecting your rental car, ask specifically about environmental stickers for every country on your route. Don’t assume anything.
“Ask your rental company: ‘Does this car have valid environmental stickers for France, Germany, Italy’ – whatever countries you’re visiting,” advises Urbonas. “Get it in writing if possible.”
If your rental doesn’t include the right stickers, you can often buy them online before travel or at petrol stations near borders. French Crit’Air stickers cost just under €4 and can be ordered online, though delivery takes time.
Use Technology To Your Advantage
Apps like Green-Zones and ViaMichelin can help you check which zones require which stickers along your route. These tools are particularly useful during heatwaves when restrictions can change quickly.
“These apps update in real-time,” notes Urbonas. “They’ll show you if a city has implemented emergency restrictions due to high temperatures, so you can plan alternative routes or ensure you have the right permits.”
Some GPS systems also highlight low-emission zones, but they’re not always up-to-date with the latest heatwave restrictions.
Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, commented: “Just one missing sticker could turn your dream European road trip into a costly detour – and during a heatwave, the stakes are even higher. I’ve seen British families hit with multiple fines because they drove through restricted zones in three different countries, each missing a different environmental permit. What should have been a €12 investment in stickers became a €500+ nightmare.
“The key is preparation. Before you even book your rental car, research the environmental requirements for every country on your itinerary. Don’t rely on rental companies to sort this out – many simply don’t offer stickers for countries outside their home base. My advice? Always carry the highest-grade environmental sticker available for each country. The small upfront cost is nothing compared to the fines and stress you’ll face without them.”