Dundee Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) checker

Dundee is one of a few Scottish cities to implement a Low Emissions Zone (LEZ). Before it goes into effect, use our tool to see if you'll have to pay.

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Dundee LEZ map and charges

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

Area of operation

The A991 Inner Ring Road clearly marks the boundaries of Dundee's Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Currently, the scheme does not include the Wellgate, Bell Street, and West Marketgair NCP car parks. But, it includes everything else within the A991.

LEZ charges and exemptions

Non-compliant drivers will face charges on a sliding scale basis, starting at £60 and doubling for each repeat offence all the way up to £480 (or £960 for coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles). Exemptions apply to motorcycles, mopeds and certain protected vehicle classes.

How to pay

The easiest way to pay will be online via Scotland's Low Emissions Zone page. Since the zone is not being enforced until May 2024, there is no portal for making a payment quite yet.

What is the Dundee Low Emissions Zone (LEZ)?

How Dundee's LEZ works

To create a healthier urban environment by improving air quality, promoting sustainability, and minimizing pollution, Dundee implemented a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in 2022. The local council in Dundee granted a two-year 'grace period' for residents and visitors to prepare for the scheme's full implementation. However, starting from May 30, 2024, heavy-polluting vehicles that do not comply will be subject to fines if driven in the city without paying the daily penalty. Fines start at £60, but scale up with each time drivers enter the zone.

When drivers enter or drive within the zone, cameras using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology automatically scan vehicle registration numbers to determine if they comply. If not, the driver will have to pay for each day they drive within the zone. Although a £60 fine is quite substantial, drivers will only owe half (£30) if they make payment within 14 days. And, the scale resets after 90 days. The zone is active 24/7, 365 days per year. Days run from midnight to midnight.

Vehicles included in Dundee's LEZ

The scheme targets heavy-polluting vehicles, such as coaches, buses, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that do not meet the Euro 6 emissions standard. It also targets passenger cars, vans, minibuses, taxis, private hire vehicles, and light goods vehicles (LGVs) that don't meet Euro 4 (for petrol) or Euro 6 (or diesel) emissions standards. Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from the scheme, as are certain nationally exempt vehicle classes (e.g., disabled tax class vehicles, emergency service vehicles, registered Showman's vehicles and registered historic vehicles).

Despite the financial burden of fines or vehicle replacement, eligible Dundee residents can receive funding from the Scottish government through the Dundee LEZ Scheme, administered by the Energy Saving Trust. Certain households can receive up to £3,000 in support — £2,000 for safe disposal of non-compliant vehicles and up to £1,000 through the 'Travel Better' program. Eligible businesses can receive a £2,000 grant for safely disposing of non-compliant vehicles. They can also apply for up to £1,000 towards purchasing a cargo or e-cargo bike for business use.

Benefits of using our Dundee LEZ compliance checker

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

Check Dundee LEZ compliance instantly

The zone came into effect in May 2024. You'll want to know as soon as possible whether you need to make an investment in retrofitting or replacing your vehicle. In the short term, it would also help to find alternative routes to avoid driving within the zone, if you can. With our tool, you just have to enter your registration number. You'll see your vehicle's status just seconds later.

Stay on top of changes and updates

Like all the clean air initiatives in the UK, Dundee's LEZ is subject to change. There's no guarantee that the exemptions in effect today will still apply in a few years. You can use our free online Dundee LEZ checker whenever you like. Getting in the habit of periodically checking on your vehicle's compliance means you'll always be prepared for what's next (and you'll know how it affects you).

Plan your route around the LEZ

Whether you decide to arrange a different mode of transport or invest in a more efficient vehicle, you'll want to avoid driving within the LEZ in the meantime. Of course, you won't need to take additional measures if your vehicle complies, so that's the first step. If, upon using our tool, you find you aren't compliant, you can start thinking about your next move to circumvent the charges.

Prepare yourself for upcoming expenses

Whether it's you or your business that's affected by Dundee's LEZ, non-compliance means you'll have to prepare for short- and long-term expenses. Immediately, needing to enter the zone with a non-compliant vehicle (or fleet of commercial vehicles) will result in fines totalling thousands of pounds. With the average new car cost being £39,308 in the UK, purchasing a compliant vehicle or retrofitting your current one is an even larger long-term expense you need to prepare for.

User-friendly interface

Our Dundee LEZ compliance checker is designed with simplicity and ease of use at its core. We present your compliance information in a readable format, so it's easy to understand your situation and what you can do next. Plus, it's accessible on any mobile or desktop device, so you won't have to switch screens or platforms when you use it. As long as you can access the internet, you're good to go!

Avoid costly fines

It's your responsibility and nobody else's to know your compliance status. Nobody will be standing at the LEZ boundary to let you know if your vehicle is exempt from charges or not. Not knowing your compliance status means you may accidentally enter the zone and rack up fine after fine. Our compliance checker eliminates this risk by providing you with instant information wherever and whenever you need it, so you can plan ahead and avoid any unnecessary expenses.

Which cars are exempt from Dundee's LEZ charges?

Separate rules apply to different types of vehicles when it comes to LEZ daily charges in Dundee.

LEZ-compliant petrol cars

Must meet Euro 4 emissions standards.
Typically, manufactured after 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

Aberdeen Low Emission Zone

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Common FAQs about the Dundee Low Emissions Zone

Learn about Dundee's LEZ regulations and what your options are for avoiding them.

Should I pay for the Low Emissions Zone in Dundee?

If you find yourself liable for a daily charge upon entering Dundee's LEZ zone, you absolutely should pay it. The fines for non-compliance are much higher than the daily charges and can add up quickly if you repeatedly enter the zone with a non-compliant vehicle.

That said, you have plenty of time to arrange a retrofitting, new vehicle purchase or alternative mode of transport before the zone comes into effect in May 2024. Use our Dundee LEZ compliance checker to find out if you need to make any changes and plan accordingly.

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

Dundee's LEZ charges apply to all private and commercial vehicles, with few exceptions. Passenger cars, vans, LGVs, HGVs, buses, minibuses and coaches must all meet Euro 4 or Euro 6 emissions standards to enter the zone without incurring daily charges.

Vehicles that aren't included in Dundee's Low Emissions Zone penalties include motorcycles, mopeds, disabled tax class/passenger tax class, military, police, ambulance and fire vehicles. Registered historic vehicles, Showman's vehicles, and vehicles registered by His Majesty's Coastguard are also exempt from charges.

Can I avoid the Low Emissions Zone in Dundee?

Dundee's Low Emissions Zone only affects the city centre (within the A991), so you can avoid paying charges by taking alternative routes around it. However, this may not always be feasible for drivers who need to access the city centre for work, errands or other purposes.

If you have to access the city centre, you could always drive near the boundary of the LEZ and then use alternative modes of transport to reach your destination. Cycling, walking and public transportation are all great options for avoiding charges while reducing your carbon footprint.

Alternatively, you can invest in a compliant vehicle or retrofit your current one to meet the emissions standards. Then, you won't have to worry about anything at all.

Can I drive in the Low Emissions Zone in Dundee?

There is no force stopping you from driving in Dundee's Low Emissions Zone except the fine. It's worth nothing, however, that the fine doubles for each additional day you enter. Most drivers don't want to pay £480 per day! If you need to access the zone on a regular basis, it's much more financially feasible to invest in a compliant vehicle.

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

To check emissions for UK-registered vehicles, verify with the Vehicle Certification Authority and your manufacturer. You can also enter your vehicle registration at the top of this page and use our Dundee LEZ compliance checker to find out if your vehicle is exempt from charges.

As for non-UK registered cars, the manufacturer should be able to provide a certificate of conformity that proves the emissions standards.

What happens if you go through the Low Emissions Zone in Dundee?

When you cross the LEZ boundary (or, for residents, begin driving within), cameras placed throughout the zone will detect your vehicle's registration plate and check it against the compliance database. If your car is compliant, nothing happens! However, if you're driving a non-compliant vehicle, you'll be charged £60 if it's your first time entering.

How long does the Low Emissions Zone last in Dundee?

The Low Emissions Zone in Dundee will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means that any time you enter the restricted zone during this period (even just driving through without stopping), you may incur charges or fines. It's important to check your compliance status before entering the city centre to avoid any unexpected costs.

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

There aren't any large indicators that you're entering Dundee's Low Emissions Zone. There are 100+ cameras scattered throughout, though. And next to each camera is a sign that reads, "Low Emissions Zone". If you use a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze, they'll tell you as well.

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

No — petrol cars must meet minimum Euro 4 emissions standards to enter the LEZ without paying daily charges. All diesel cars are held to a higher standard (Euro 6). Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses and coaches must also meet Euro 6 emissions standards to comply with Dundee's LEZ.

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

If you've already been fined, you will have the option to appeal it if you're exempt and wrongfully charged. For most drivers, however, there's no way to get out of paying the fine once it's been issued. That's why it's important to make sure your vehicle is compliant before entering the zone.

How can I contact Low Emission Zone Support in Dundee?

You can contact Dundee's Low Emissions Zone team directly via email at dundee.lez@dundeecity.gov.uk. You can also fill out the contact form on Scotland's Low Emissions Zone website for general enquiries or specific questions about the Dundee LEZ.