With the London ULEZ zone expanding, many drivers need to check if their car meets the emissions standards or risk daily charges. This guide explains what ULEZ is, which cars are compliant, and how to check if a car is ULEZ compliant. drive in the zone fee-free.
What is the ULEZ?
ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone. It is a designated area in central London where vehicles must meet strict exhaust emissions standards or pay a daily fee to drive within the zone.
ULEZ aims to improve air quality by reducing harmful NOx and particulate matter pollution from road transport. The ULEZ is currently expanding to cover most of Greater London for 24 hours a day by late 2023.
Vehicles that do not comply with the emissions requirements must pay a £12.50 daily ULEZ charge. That adds up to £4,500 per year for non-compliant vehicles driving daily in London.
Which Cars are ULEZ Compliant?
ULEZ compliant vehicles are:
- Petrol cars – Euro 4 compliant (roughly 2006 or newer)
- Diesel cars – Euro 6 compliant (roughly 2015 or newer)
- Motorcycles & mopeds – Euro 3 compliant (post-2007 vehicles)
- Vans and minibuses – Euro 6 compliant (typically 2016 or newer)
- Larger vehicles like trucks & buses – Euro VI compliant (post-2015)
In general, petrol cars made after 2005 and diesel cars made after 2015 meet the standards. But the exact year a model is compliant can vary.
Some electric, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles also qualify as zero emission and are exempt.
How to Check if a Car is ULEZ Compliant
You can easily check if any car meets the ULEZ emissions standards using two methods:
1. Use the Official ULEZ Vehicle Checker
Transport for London (TfL) provides an online ULEZ Vehicle Checker tool.
To use it:
- Enter the car’s make, model and registration year
- Confirm whether it is a petrol or diesel engine
- Hit “Check compliance” to see if the car meets ULEZ standards
It takes seconds and you’ll get a clear “Compliant” or “Non-compliant” result.
2. Check the V5C Registration Log Book
A car’s V5C registration document lists the Euro emissions standard under section V. Check for:
- Petrol cars – Euro 4 or above
- Diesel cars – Euro 6 or above
If the V5C states Euro 4, 5 or 6 for petrol or Euro 6 for diesel, the car should meet ULEZ requirements.
Matching the V5C data against TfL’s official checker provides added confirmation.
What To Do If Your Car is Non-Compliant
If your current car does not meet ULEZ emissions standards, you have a few options:
- Pay the daily charge – The £12.50 daily ULEZ fee applies for non-compliant cars driving within the zone.
- Avoid the ULEZ – Plan routes to avoid entering the ULEZ boundary if possible.
- Upgrade your car – Consider a newer ULEZ compliant used car. Potential government scrappage schemes may provide financial incentives.
- Retrofit exhaust filtration – Some aftermarket particulate filters can be retrofitted to improve emissions.
Carefully consider the options based on your driving needs and routes in London.
5 Common ULEZ Questions
How much is the ULEZ charge?
The daily charge for non-compliant cars entering the ULEZ zone is £12.50 per day. It operates 24/7 so driving into the ULEZ at any time triggers the fee.
When does ULEZ start?
The ULEZ originally started in Central London in April 2019. It expanded to the North/South Circular boundary in October 2021 and will further expand across Greater London by late 2023.
Is my car ULEZ compliant?
Use TfL’s Vehicle Checker by entering your registration year and fuel type. Or check against your V5C document’s Euro status. This confirms if your car meets ULEZ standards.
Do electric cars pay ULEZ?
No, zero-emission vehicles like full electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars are exempt from paying the ULEZ charge. Some plug-in hybrids also qualify for exemption.
How can I avoid ULEZ?
Planning alternative routes and checking maps is the only guaranteed way to avoid the ULEZ zone and potential charges if your vehicle is non-compliant.
Conclusion
Determining if your car meets ULEZ emissions standards is quick and easy using online tools and your V5C documents. Check your compliance early – especially as ULEZ continues expanding across Greater London. Non-compliant car owners should consider costs or upgrades to ensure they avoid hefty daily charges.