How Do I Know If My Car Is ULEZ Compliant?
Simply input your registration number into our ULEZ zone checker, and we’ll tell you immediately if your vehicle satisfies the appropriate emissions criteria. We use data from the DVLA and Transport for London (TfL) to determine if your car is low-polluting and ULEZ compliant. If it’s not, you’ll need to pay a daily charge to drive in the zone.
Keep in mind that our check ULEZ compliance tool is based on TfL requirements; nevertheless, for older cars, we recommend using TfL’s official tool for the most accurate results. Some vehicles are exempt from ULEZ taxes, including historic cars over 40 years old, some agricultural and construction equipment, military vehicles, and other specialist vehicles.
Don’t risk fines—check your car now and drive through London worry-free!
What is the London ULEZ?
The London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was established to reduce air pollution and improve air quality by charging high-polluting vehicles a fee to drive through the city. It began in 2019 as a tiny area in Central London but has since expanded. In October 2021, it expanded to include the North and South Circular roads. Then, on August 29, 2023, it expanded again to include all of Greater London.
If your car does not satisfy ULEZ emissions regulations, you must pay £12.50 each day to travel in the zone. The system uses cameras to scan license plates, and if you don’t pay, you may receive an automatic fine.
ULEZ is in place 24/7, except on Christmas Day. If you’re unclear whether your car is compliant, check before you drive to avoid extra penalties.
Where Does The ULEZ Charge Apply, And When Is It Active?
The ULEZ charge applies across all London boroughs, but it does not include the M25. It is in operation year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the exception of Christmas Day. If your car does not satisfy ULEZ emissions regulations, you must pay £12.50 each day to travel in the zone. This includes most cars, motorbikes, and vans up to 3.5 tonnes, as well as minibuses up to 5 tonnes.
Larger vehicles, like lorries and buses over these weight limits, don’t pay the ULEZ charge but must meet LEZ (Low Emission Zone) standards instead. Even if your vehicle is registered outside of the United Kingdom, you must comply with ULEZ regulations or pay the fee. Not sure if your vehicle is compliant? Do a ULEZ
car check before driving to avoid penalties!
Are There Any Exemptions From The ULEZ Charge?
Yes, certain vehicles are exempt from ULEZ charges. Lorries or specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW and buses/minibuses over 5 tonnes GVW do not pay the ULEZ charge but must meet the LEZ standards instead. Diesel cars must meet Euro 6 emission standards to avoid ULEZ charges, while petrol cars have different compliance requirements. Some vehicles, such as antique cars (over 40 years old) and specialised vehicles like tractors and military vehicles, are also exempt. If you’re unsure, check Car Ulez compliance before driving to London to avoid paying unexpected fees.
Do Non-UK Registered Vehicles Need To Pay The ULEZ Charge?
Yes! Non-UK registered vehicles must also meet ULEZ emissions standards or pay the £12.50 daily charge to drive in the zone. Even if your vehicle is compatible, you must still register it with EPC plc, TfL's partner for managing non-UK cars. If you do not register or pay the fee, you may face a fine. To avoid this, check your vehicle's status and register before driving in London's ULEZ.
ULEZ Scrappage Scheme: Get Paid to Upgrade Your Car
If you live in Greater London and have a non-ULEZ-compliant car, you may get paid to scrap it! The ULEZ scrappage plan pays £2,000 for vehicles and £1,000 for motorbikes and mopeds. This enables drivers to switch to cleaner, lower-emission cars. If your car isn’t ULEZ compliant, check if you qualify and get paid to upgrade today!
FAQs about London's ULEZ
Which areas does the ULEZ charge apply to?
Since August 29, 2023, the ULEZ has included all London boroughs aside from the M25. If you drive a non-compliant car anywhere in Greater London, you'll need to pay the daily penalty.
How can I check if I need to pay the ULEZ charge?
Enter your registration number into our ulez compliance checker tool to check if your vehicle fulfils emissions regulations. If it's not compliant, you'll need to pay the daily fee to drive in the zone.
Which cars are exempt from ULEZ charges?
Electric and low-emission vehicles are free from ULEZ fees. Petrol cars must satisfy Euro 4 criteria (generally after 2005), whereas diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 requirements (typically from 2015 onwards). Some historic cars (pre-1973) and speciality vehicles are also exempt.
How do I check if my vehicle meets Euro 6 standards?
If your diesel vehicle was made after September 2015, it is likely Euro 6 compliant and meets the necessary emission standards. You can also confirm by checking your car registration documents or using our ulez compliant check tool by entering your reg number.
Does my motorcycle meet Euro 3 emissions standards?
Most bikes made after 2007 satisfy Euro 3 criteria and are ULEZ-compliant. If your bike is older, check your logbook or use our check ulez compliant tool to find out whether it qualifies.
Is my motorcycle compliant with Euro 5 regulations?
Starting in 2021, all new bikes sold in the EU and UK must fulfil Euro 5 requirements. If your bike was built before this, check your registration information or contact the manufacturer for confirmation.
Which new areas were included in the 2023 ULEZ expansion?
On August 29, 2023, the ULEZ was enlarged to include all of Greater London. This means every London borough is now part of the zone, but the M25 is not included.
When did the ULEZ expansion take place?
The ULEZ will be expanded citywide on August 29, 2023. Previously, it spanned territories up to the North and South Circular Roads. It now includes all London boroughs.
How can I tell if I've entered the ULEZ zone?
Look for green ULEZ signs with a white circle near access points. You’ll also see camera signs, since the zone is monitored by ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras that read the number plates of vehicles.
How does Transport for London (TfL) enforce ULEZ regulations?
TfL deploys Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to inspect every vehicle that enters the ULEZ. If your car is not compliant and you do not pay, you will be fined £160, which is reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
What are the ways to pay the ULEZ charge?
You can pay online through the TfL website, use the TfL Pay app, or set up Auto Pay to avoid missing payments. Payments must be made before midnight on the third day after your journey to avoid a fine.
Which vehicles qualify for a ULEZ exemption?
Some vehicles are exempt from ULEZ levies, such as electric vehicles, Euro 6 diesel vehicles, Euro 4 petrol vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Discounts and exemptions for Congestion Charge include classic cars over 40 years old, some specialty vehicles (such as agricultural machinery), and military-operated vehicles.
What are the latest details of the ULEZ scrappage scheme for 2023?
In August 2023, London began a £160 million scrappage plan. It provides £2,000 for cars and £1,000 for motorbikes to encourage drivers to convert to cleaner vehicles. The plan is open to London residents who own non-compliant cars.
Does my van need to pay ULEZ, LEZ, or the Congestion Charge?
It all depends on your van's emissions. If your vehicle is not Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol), you must pay the ULEZ. Larger vans weighing more than 3.5 tonnes may have to pay the LEZ charge instead. If you drive into Central London, you may additionally have to pay the Congestion Charge (£15 per day).
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