Aberdeen Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) checker

Starting 1 June 2024, enforcement of Aberdeen's Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) will begin in the city centre. Use our tool to see if you need to pay.

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Aberdeen LEZ map and charges

The image below shows the limits of the Aberdeen Low Emissions Zone.

Area of operation

The designated zone will encompass the central areas of the town with high pollution levels. This comprises Skene Street, School Hill, and Virginia Street. Other notable streets along the perimeter include Willowbank Road, Holburn Street, and Rose Street.

LEZ charges and exemptions

All non-compliant vehicles that enter Aberdeen's LEZ will be hit with a £60 fine. Each following time they enter the zone, the subsequent charge will double. Penalty charges for cars and light goods vehicles are limited to a maximum of £480. For buses and HGVs, the limit is set at £960. Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt.

How to pay

The easiest way to pay is online via Scotland's Low Emissions Zone page. You can also contact the city directly at transportstrategy@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

What is the Aberdeen Low Emissions Zone (LEZ)?

How Aberdeen's LEZ works

In May 2022, Scottish Ministers approved Aberdeen's Low Emissions Zone. The initiative aims to improve air quality in the city centre, in turn reducing the health risks associated with high pollution levels. It's set to go into effect in June 2024. When vehicles enter or drive within the LEZ boundary, cameras will automatically read their number plate using ANPR technology. The number plates will be scanned against the DVLA's database. They'll be charged if they don't meet Euro 4 or Euro 6 standards (based on the vehicle).

Like Scotland's other Low Emissions Zones, the non-compliance fines work on a sliding scale. The initial fine is £60, which can be reduced by 50% if paid within 30 days. If the same vehicle enters the zone within 90 days, the second fine jumps to £120. If you enter a third time, it doubles again to £240. The fines max out at £480 for cars and LGVs, but buses and HGVs can owe up to £960. Aberdeen's Low Emissions Zone, with a fine of nearly £1,000, is one of the world's most ambitious global clean air initiatives.

Vehicles included in Aberdeen's LEZ

Scotland's Low Emission Zones have a different approach to emissions regulations than the Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in the rest of the UK. Instead of imposing a daily charge on older, more polluting cars for entering the zone, they enforce strict emissions standards for all vehicles entering the zone. Failure to comply may result in penalties, with first-time offenders facing fines of £60 (which is much larger than CAZ daily charges, which range between £8 and £12.50). LGVs, HGVs, taxis, buses, coaches and passenger cars are all included in Aberdeen's LEZ.

Some exemptions apply. Blue Badge holders and some specialist vehicles (e.g., military vehicles, emergency services vehicles) are exempt from all LEZs in Scotland. Certain vehicles also qualify for a phased approach to compliance, giving owners more time to upgrade their vehicles. Individuals and organizations are still required to adhere to the LEZ without exception. Only in cases where the air quality impact is negligible and sincere efforts are being made to swiftly comply with the LEZ, exceptions may be considered. If you want to apply for an exemption, you can do so here.

Benefits of using our Aberdeen LEZ compliance checker

Knowing if Aberdeen's LEZ charges apply to you helps you plan ahead and avoid costly fines.

Check Aberdeen LEZ compliance in real time

Knowing if your vehicle meets Aberdeen's LEZ requirements in real time is crucial. It helps you avoid future fines and supports the city's air quality. Our compliance checker is an easy tool that provides instant feedback, which gives you the power to make informed decisions and adjustments for your travel plans. When you use our free online LEZ checker, you'll know your current vehicle's compliance status in seconds.

User-friendly interface

Our compliance checker offers a simple, user-friendly interface. Enter your vehicle's number plate, and you get the needed information within seconds. All the information is given in an easy-to-read format, so you can easily communicate it with others. Best of all, it's accessible on all devices, so you won't have to worry about running to your desktop computer to figure it out. You can get it done on the go if you need to.

Stay on top of changes and updates

Every Low Emissions Zone in the UK is subject to change, and there are plenty of others that will pop up in the next few years. One thing we know for sure is the UK government (both national and local) won't let up on its clean air efforts. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you're not caught off guard by new charges or regulations. By using our compliance checker regularly, you'll always have the latest information about your vehicle.

Plan other routes

Aberdeen's LEZ charge is incredibly expensive. The average person can't afford to drive their car into the LEZ zone every day (that would be roughly £13,500 per month!). Since you can only enter the area once every 90 days without having your fine double, planning alternative routes is a must for the short term. By determining your compliance now, you can start planning alternative routes for your daily commute to the city centre.

Prepare for business and/or personal expenses

Since the regulation won't be in effect until mid-2024, you have time to save money for either a new car or retrofitting your current vehicle. This is especially important for businesses with commercial vehicles, which will have to pay the daily fine across their entire fleet. A new vehicle or fleet is a huge purchase, so having a while before the LEZ begins is a huge advantage. But, it all starts with knowing your compliance status.

Avoid expensive fines

A few hundred pounds might not be the end of the world at first, but repeated offenses add up quickly. If you're unaware of your compliance status, you might unknowingly rack up multiple fines, costing you thousands of pounds. Save yourself the stress and expense by using our compliance checker. It's a quick, easy, and 100% free way to avoid hefty fines that'll eat into your wallet.

Which cars are exempt from Aberdeen's LEZ charges?

Different rules apply to different types of vehicles when it comes to LEZ daily charges in Aberdeen.

LEZ-compliant petrol cars

Must meet Euro 4 emissions standards.
Typically, manufactured after January 2006.

LEZ-compliant diesel cars

Must meet Euro 6 emissions standards.
Typically, manufactured after September 2015.

LEZ-compliant LGVs and HGVs

LGVs: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)
HGVs: Euro 6 minimum

LEZ-compliant buses, minibuses and coaches

Buses: Euro 6 minimum
Minibuses: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)
Coaches: Euro 6 minimum

View other Low Emissions Zones (LEZ)

Live elsewhere? Check below for information on other Low Emissions Zones in the UK.

London Low Emission Zone

Glasgow Low Emission Zone

Edinburgh Low Emission Zone

Dundee Low Emission Zone

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Common FAQs about the Aberdeen Low Emissions Zone

Learn about how our checker works and how to comply with LEZ regulations.

Should I pay for the Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen?

If you drive into the Low Emissions Zone with a non-compliant vehicle, you will be required to pay a daily charge. However, if your vehicle is compliant, you do not need to pay anything.

As far as whether you should pay it, the answer is yes. Life will only get more difficult for non-compliant vehicles as the UK government rolls out more LEZs. And the fine is non-negotiable once you drive into the area.

So, you don't have a choice. That's why it's so important to understand your compliance status beforehand.

Which cars have to pay in the Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen?

Any petrol vehicle that doesn't meet Euro 4 emissions standards and any diesel vehicle that doesn't meet Euro 6 emissions standards must pay the daily charge. HGVs, buses and coaches need to meet Euro 6 standards, regardless of their fuel type. The only vehicle types excluded are motorcycles and mopeds.

Can I avoid the Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen?

You can avoid the Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen by planning alternative routes or using transportation methods that don't require driving into the zone. Public transportation, cycling and walking are all excellent options. If you want to drive, the only way to avoid the zone is to go around it, though.

Can I drive in a Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen?

You certainly can drive in Aberdeen's Low Emissions Zone. Just know that if you do so with a non-compliant vehicle, you'll have to pay the daily charge. Each additional time you enter the zone within a 90-day period will result in a fine double the previous one (up to £480 for cars and vans, £960 for buses and HGVs).

How do I know if my car is low-emissions in Aberdeen?

The best way to figure out whether your car is low-emissions is to use our compliance checker. Simply enter your vehicle's number plate, and you'll receive instant information about its emissions standards and whether it's compliant with the Aberdeen LEZ regulations. If it complies, that means it's low-emissions.

What happens if you go through a Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen?

When you drive past a camera in the Low Emissions Zone, it scans your vehicle's number plate. If you have a non-compliant vehicle, you'll have to pay the fine. If you do so within 30 days, you'll only be held responsible for half of the full charge. If you continue to drive into the zone without complying, your fines will double each time, eventually reaching a maximum limit.

Can I find information on other vehicles besides cars?

You can find information on all types of vehicles, including cars, buses, HGVs and more. Our compliance checker covers all vehicle types that are affected by the Aberdeen Low Emissions Zone regulations. So whether you're a commercial business with multiple vehicles or an individual with a personal car, our checker has got you covered.

How long does the Low Emissions Zone last in Aberdeen?

The Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen lasts 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year (including bank holidays). Each day is from midnight to midnight, so driving into the zone at night and continuing to do so past 12:00 a.m. will result in two charges for a total of £180.

How do I know if I drove into a Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen?

Although there aren't any toll booths or barriers to alert you when you've entered the Low Emissions Zone, there are cameras located throughout the zone that will scan your vehicle's number plate. Ample signage accompanies these cameras, so you'll know when you've entered the zone. If you use a navigation app, that will also let you know when you're going to enter Aberdeen's LEZ.

Is the Low Emissions Zone only for diesel cars in Aberdeen?

No. Although diesel cars are often the focus of emissions regulations, the Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen also applies to petrol cars. Petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 standards, while diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards. Additionally, HGVs and buses must also comply with Euro 6 standards. Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from these regulations, however.

How do I get out of the Low Emissions Zone fine in Aberdeen?

The only ways to get out of the fine for driving into the Low Emissions Zone in Aberdeen with a non-compliant vehicle are to pay it or challenge it. You can challenge it if you believe there was an error or extenuating circumstances that led to your non-compliance. However, keep in mind that this is not a guaranteed way to get out of the fine.

How can I contact Low Emission Zone Support in Aberdeen?

You can contact Scotland's Low Emissions Zone support team via email at lowemissionzonesenquiries@gov.scot. To reach Aberdeen specifically, you can visit their website or contact them directly through email at transportstrategy@aberdeencity.gov.uk.