London Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) checker

London's Low Emissions Zone covers most of Greater London. Use our free tool to check your compliance before entering the city.

London LEZ map and charges

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

Area of operation

The zone encompasses the majority of Greater London, with slight variations to accommodate alternative routes and turning areas outside the zone. It includes Heathrow, as well as parts of the M1 and M4. The M25 is not included in London's LEZ.

LEZ daily charges and exemptions

A £100 charge applies to vans/specialist diesel vehicles (over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) or minibuses (up to 5 tonnes) that don't meet Euro 3 standards. The same £100 charge applies to HGVs and vans (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses, minibuses and coaches (over 5 tonnes) that meet Euro 4 but not Euro 6 standards. Vehicles over that 3.5/5-tonne margin owe £300 if they don't meet Euro 4.

How to pay

The easiest way to pay is online via Transport for London's 'Pay to drive in London' service. You're able to pay for up to 3 previous days at once. You can also pay ahead for today or any day up to 90 days from now. You can also register for Auto Pay.

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What is the London Low Emissions Zone (LEZ)?

How London's LEZ works

Since 2008, London's Low Emissions Zone has gotten increasingly larger and stricter as Transport for London has focused more and more resources on reducing pollution and improving air quality throughout the city. The area (which now encompasses all of Greater London) is essentially a 'zone of restriction' for the largest and most polluting vehicles. When you enter or drive within London's LEZ with a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards, you will be charged a fee of £100-£300. In areas where the Congestion Charge applies, LEZ applies on top of that.

Unlike ULEZ (which doesn't operate on Christmas Day), London's Low Emissions Zone is effective 24 hours, every day of the year. Each vehicle will only be charged once per day, no matter how many times they enter the zone. Days run from midnight to midnight. This means you will receive two charges if you drive in London's LEZ before and after midnight (for example, entering the area at 11 p.m. and driving around until 2 a.m.). You have until midnight 3 days after entering to pay, or you will receive a penalty charge notice (PCN).

Vehicles included in London's LEZ

London's LEZ differs from Scotland's. As it already charges £12.50 per day for ULEZ drivers (within the same boundary as LEZ), there's no need to include them in the Low Emissions Zone scheme. LEZ primarily targets vans, buses/minibuses, lorries, coaches and specialist heavy vehicles. The exact charge each vehicle pays depends on its fuel type and weight. Vehicles weighing 1.205 to 3.5 tonnes are subject to a £100 LEZ charge if they don't meet Euro 3 standards. Heavier vehicles face a £300 fine for not meeting Euro 6 standards and £100 for not meeting Euro 4.

Certain exemptions to the above rules exist at the national level. Agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles, military vehicles, registered Showman's vehicles and police and emergency services vehicles are all exempt from LEZ charges. Additionally, certain types of specialist vehicles, such as cranes, excavators, mobile concrete mixers and gritters may be granted exemption if they are working on London's roads. In general, exemptions apply to highly specific scenarios. For most drivers and business owners outside of construction/agriculture, it's fairly certain LEZ affects you.

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Benefits of using our London LEZ compliance checker

Knowing if London's LEZ charges apply to you helps you plan ahead and avoid costly fines.
1

Check London LEZ compliance in real time

London's Low Emissions Zone has been active for quite some time now. Staying on top of your compliance status is the difference between being charged £100-£300 per vehicle per day or nothing at all. Periodically checking can save you from stressful fines worth hundreds of pounds. With our checker, all you have to do is enter your vehicle registration and it'll return your compliance status in a few seconds.
2

Stay on top of changes and updates

As you've probably learned from past adjustments, London's LEZ is subject to change. The zone expands and legislation becomes stricter as time goes on, so having a tool that keeps you informed of any changes to the fine amount, emissions standards or zone area can save you from unexpected charges and fines. On our site, we also publish other LEZ-related updates and guides, so staying in the loop is easy.
3

Prepare your route ahead of time

If you're managing a commercial fleet, you might not be able to avoid the Low Emissions Zone. But, for those with more flexibility, you can still save money by planning your route to avoid the area completely. With our London LEZ checker, you'll know exactly whether you need to avoid the area and plan an alternate route/mode of transportation to save you or your business money.
4

Plan for business expenses

Replacing large vehicles like the ones LEZ affects is usually a minimum six-figure investment. Knowing your compliance status is the first step in budgeting for any necessary changes. Perhaps you'll need to upgrade or modify your vehicles to meet emissions standards or, if you're fortunate, find out they already comply. In the short term, it'll also help you factor £100-£300 charges into your operating expenses.
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User-friendly interface

Our London LEZ checker is designed with user-friendly features that make it easy to navigate. With clear instructions and an intuitive design, you can quickly input information and get immediate results. The site is also mobile-friendly, so you can check your compliance status on the go, ensuring you're always prepared and informed. Our goal is to make checking your vehicle's compliance as hassle-free as possible.
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Avoid costly fines

If you have to drive within Greater London frequently, you'll realise these fines (which are already quite expensive in their own right) add up very quickly. If you're unaware of your non-compliance, you could owe thousands of pounds without even knowing it. Whether your approach is to invest in a more efficient vehicle or avoid the zone altogether, it's important to know where you stand with London's LEZ to avoid these hefty penalties.

Which cars are exempt from London's LEZ charges?

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

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LEZ-compliant buses, minibuses and coaches

  • Up to 5 tonnes: Euro 3
  • Over 5 tonnes: Euro 6
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LEZ-compliant light goods vehicles (LGVs)

  • Up to 3.5 tonnes: Euro 3
  • Over 3.5 tonnes: Euro 6
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LEZ-compliant specialist diesel vehicles

  • Up to 3.5 tonnes: Euro 3
  • Over 3.5 tonnes: Euro 6
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LEZ-compliant heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)

  • Over 3.5 tonnes: Euro 6
  • Lesser penalty for meeting Euro 4

View other Low Emissions Zones (LEZ)

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

Check other low emissions zones

Live somewhere else? See which emissions zones and regulations affect your city.

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Common FAQs about the London 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 London?

Absolutely, you should pay your Low Emissions Zone charge as soon as possible. If the charge isn't paid within three days, you will receive a PCN on top of your existing liability. The longer you wait to pay your Low Emissions charge, the costlier your entry into the zone becomes.

The good news is, it's fairly easy to pay and you can even do so before you enter the zone. You can pay online using TfL's 'Pay to drive in London' service. If you want, you can even set up Auto Pay so you don't have to worry about it whatsoever.

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

In London's Low Emissions Zone (LEZ), the types of vehicles that are most impacted are larger vehicles that don't meet certain emissions standards. These include buses/minibuses, coaches, light goods vehicles (LGVs), specialist diesel vehicles and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Depending on the vehicle type and weight, the above categories will have to meet either Euro 3 or Euro 6 emissions standards. Please note that these are just the general rules and some vehicles may be exempt based on their use case or other specific criteria.

Can I avoid the Low Emissions Zone in London?

You certainly can avoid the Low Emissions Zone in London, but whether you do so depends entirely on your need to enter the area. If your journey is not critical or if there's an alternative route that circumvents the entirety of Greater London, then it's quite possible to dodge the zone and its associated charges entirely.

However, this is not always practical for commercial vehicles or commuters who need to pass through or stop within the heart of the city. It's always a good idea to plan your route in advance, taking into account both the LEZ and your own needs. Remember, our LEZ checker is always here to help you assess whether your vehicle meets the required emissions standards if avoiding the zone is not an option.

Can I drive in the Low Emissions Zone in London?

Yes, you can drive in the Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) in London. No restrictions are stopping you from entering the zone with your vehicle. However, it's crucial to remember that driving within the LEZ comes with a hefty price tag if your vehicle doesn't meet the required emissions standards. The charges for non-compliance can be substantial, which is why it's so important to check your vehicle's compliance status before setting off.

Transport for London would prefer you drive a more efficient vehicle rather than pay. The aim of these charges is not to deter drivers, but to incentivize the use of cleaner, more environmentally-friendly vehicles in the city.

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

You can check if your car meets London's Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) standards in a few ways. One way is through your vehicle's MOT test results. The MOT test includes emissions testing, and your certificate should indicate if your vehicle meets the required standards. If you're unsure, reviewing these documents or discussing them with your MOT test centre can provide clarity.

You can also contact the vehicle's manufacturer for detailed emissions specifications. Have the model, make, and production year ready for a smooth process.

The easiest way to get a glimpse into emissions is by using our online LEZ checker tool. We won't be able to give you the exact numbers, but we'll tell you whether it's enough to enter Greater London without paying a charge.

What happens if you go through the Low Emissions Zone in London?
When driving through London's Low Emissions Zone, nothing will happen unless you meet the appropriate emissions standards. If you don't, you will have to pay a daily charge between £100 and £300. Pay the charge within three days to avoid extra penalties. Failure to pay will result in a penalty charge notice (PCN) with a higher fee.
How long does the Low Emissions Zone last in London?

The London Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round, including weekends and public holidays. This means there's no downtime or off-peak periods like the Congestion Charge — the rules apply at all times.

So, whether you're driving through the city for a late-night delivery or an early morning commute, you'll need to ensure your vehicle meets the necessary emissions standards or you'll be facing the daily charge. This round-the-clock operation helps to maintain a consistent effort towards reducing pollution and creating a cleaner, healthier London.

How do I know if I drove into the Low Emissions Zone in London?

Recognising whether you've entered London's Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) is simple. There are no physical barriers or toll booths but 2,800+ signs and cameras are posted along entry/exit points and throughout the area. These signs are fairly obvious and hard to miss, with clear indications of the zone's boundary.

You can also use a navigation app, which will let you know when you're about to enter or if the route you've planned goes through the LEZ.

Is the Low Emissions Zone only for diesel cars in London?
The LEZ area disproportionately affects diesel cars because the majority of larger vehicles in the categories the LEZ covers are powered by diesel engines. However, these vehicles are not the only ones that have to comply with the emissions standards. Petrol and hybrid vehicles also fall under the same regulations. Fully-electric vehicles are automatically exempt.
How do I get out of the Low Emissions Zone fine in London?

Once you've entered the LEZ with a non-compliant vehicle, there's nothing you can do to avoid the daily charge. The only way to avoid a fine is by paying the appropriate fee within three days of entering the zone.

However, there are certain exceptions where you may be able to appeal a penalty charge notice (PCN). These include instances where your vehicle was registered exempt but not updated in their database or if your vehicle is federally exempt and wrongfully charged.

How can I contact Low Emission Zone Support in London?

The easiest way to submit an enquiry is to use TfL's online form. On the TfL website, you can also start a webchat for a more immediate and personalised response.

You can also call 0343 222 2222 (phone) or 020 7649 9123 (textphone) to reach TfL directly for any enquiries. To challenge a charge or PCN, call 0343 222 3333.