Check ULEZ compliance for your vehicle

ULEZ covers all boroughs of London, including the City of London and excluding the M25. Even a short trip within the zone using a non-ULEZ-compliant vehicle requires a £12.50 daily charge.

Use our free online ULEZ checker to find out if your car meets the emissions standards.

Our customers say Excellent

4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews

Learn more about ULEZ

More information to help you navigate ULEZ regulations and how they may affect you.

ULEZ postcode checker

Check if the postcode you're travelling to is within the ULEZ zone.

Search now

ULEZ compliant cars

Find out which cars and fuel types comply with ULEZ regulations.

Check cars

ULEZ camera locations

Learn about were the different camera locations in the ULEZ zone.

Find out more

What is the London Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ)?

How ULEZ works

The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) is a traffic pollution-reduction initiative active in London's 32 boroughs and the City of London. It requires a £12.50 daily charge for drivers of vehicles that fail to meet designated emission standards, promoting the usage of cleaner, more environmentally friendly transportation options. The charge applies 24/7, 364 days a year, exempting only Christmas Day. By complying with ULEZ standards, individuals contribute to decreasing the levels of harmful pollutants in London's air, fostering a healthier, more sustainable city for all Londoners.

ULEZ operates in conjunction with the Congestion Charge and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) programs, further encouraging reduced emissions and traffic in the city centre. The enforcement is carried out through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which identify and register vehicles that don't meet the required emissions standards. If they do not pay the £12.50 charge by midnight within three days, they risk a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £180. Payments can be settled via the TfL website or through Auto Pay for automatic payments.

Before checking ULEZ compliance for your vehicle online

Before checking the ULEZ compliance for a vehicle online, have the registration number at hand. For individual penalty payments, a credit or debit card is required. If you're a business owner who needs to check multiple vehicles, you need to create an account with your company name and email address. You'll also want to keep a spreadsheet (CSV format) with the registration numbers of all vehicles. Payment options for businesses include credit/debit cards and providing bank details.

Checking your ULEZ compliance online with our free tool gives you real-time monitoring in a user-friendly interface. It returns detailed vehicle information, so you'll avoid unforeseen charges (and potential fines for charges you were unaware of). If you aren't sure whether your car is ULEZ-compliant, our London ULEZ compliance checker takes care of all the work for you, in seconds!

ULEZ map and expansion zones

In a bid to purify London's air, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) underwent a significant expansion on 29 August 2023, extending across all London boroughs. Now, both central and outer London zones adhere to ULEZ emissions standards.

Londoners living within the ULEZ are only subject to the daily charge if they drive their non-compliant vehicle. They don't need to worry about being charged if it remains parked within the zone (e.g., by their home or apartment). However, to avoid the charge it must remain parked the entire 24 hours, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

9 out of 10 cars in outer London and the majority in central London already meet the ULEZ standards, so ULEZ expansion doesn't pose a significant threat to many drivers. However, it's a good idea to check their vehicle’s ULEZ compliance online before travelling.

It's also worth mentioning regular upkeep and maintenance are important to keep emissions within the legal thresholds. When you take your car to a garage for an MOT, oil change or other service, the mechanic will check to ensure your vehicle meets emissions standards.

Check other low emissions zones

Live elsewhere? See what emissions zones and regulations affect your city.

CAZ checker

Check Clean Air Zone compliance.

Check CAZ now

LEZ checker

Check Low Emissions Zone compliance.

Check LEZ now

ZEZ checker

Check Zero Emissions Zone compliance.

Check ZEZ now

Get an Instant MOT quote now

Compare garages in your area for the best price and rating now!

4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews

MOT & service

4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews

Which cars are free from ULEZ charges?

Different rules apply to different types of vehicles when it comes to ULEZ fees.

ULEZ-compliant petrol cars

Must meet Euro 4, Euro 5, or Euro 6 emissions standards.
Generally, registered after 2006.

ULEZ-compliant diesel cars

Must meet Euro 6 emissions standards.
Generally, registered after September 2015.

ULEZ-compliant hybrid and electric vehicles

With petrol engines: Must meet Euro 4 emissions standards.
With diesel engines: Must meet Euro 6 emissions standards.

ULEZ-compliant vans and motorbikes

Motorbikes must be Euro 3 compliant.
Petrol vans must be Euro 4 compliant.
Diesel vans must be Euro 6 compliant.

ULEZ scrappage scheme

Rather scrap your vehicle? The ULEZ car and motorcycle scrappage scheme is open to residents of the 32 London boroughs and the City of London who receive benefits.

Our report includes important information on:

£1,000

Up to £1,000 for scrapping your motorcycle

Eligibility depends on your vehicle and type of benefit you receive.
Mopeds, scooters, and motorised tricycles/quadricycles also qualify.
All motorcycle owners must apply online.

£2,000

Up to £2,000 for scrapping your car

Eligibility depends on your vehicle and type of benefit you receive.
ULEZ-non compliant vans and WAVs also qualify.
All car owners must apply online.

Common London ULEZ FAQs

Learn about how our checker works and how to stay compliant with ULEZ regulations.

How does the free London ULEZ compliance checker work?

The ULEZ checker uses registration data — your vehicle's make, model and fuel type — to determine whether it meets emissions standards set by Transport for London (TfL). With this information, the checker can provide you with an accurate compliance assessment and whether you will need to pay ULEZ charges.

What are the minimum emission standards for ULEZ?

At a minimum, ULEZ-compliant vehicles meet the following standards:

Motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category) should meet Euro 3 standards. Petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles should meet Euro 4 standards for NOx emissions. Diesel cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles should meet Euro 6 standards for both NOx and PM emissions.

Which cars can drive in ULEZ zones free of charge?

Any vehicle that meets ULEZ emissions standards can drive freely within the zone. For petrol vehicles, this generally means they were registered after January 2006. For diesel cars, it typically means they were registered after September 2015.

Lorries, vans, and specialised heavy vehicles (with a Gross Vehicle Weight over 3.5 tonnes). The same applies to buses, minibuses, and coaches (with a GVW over 5 tonnes) are exempt from the ULEZ charge. However, they will be subject to the LEZ charge if they fail to meet the emissions standards set by the LEZ.

How do I know if I have to pay the ULEZ charge?

You will not automatically receive a notification when a fine is due. You are responsible for checking your vehicle's compliance with the ULEZ regulations. Using our free online tool is the simplest way to check if you'll need to pay a charge. If your vehicle is non-compliant, you know you will have to pay it every time you drive into the ULEZ zone.

What was the ULEZ expansion in 2023?

Effective 29th August 2023, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been extended to cover all boroughs of London. The newly expanded ULEZ encompasses nearly all of Greater London, stretching from Enfield in the north to Croydon in the south, as depicted in our ULEZ expansion zone map above.

How do I know If I drove in a ULEZ zone?

There is ULEZ signage clearly posted throughout the city, particularly as you enter the ULEZ zone. You may also notice the cameras. However, there are no official toll booths or barriers, so the only other way you'd find out is when you receive your day’s ULEZ charge.

How do I pay the ULEZ charge?

No discounts are given to residents of the ULEZ zone. That said, Living in the ULEZ zone gives you the ability to take the tube or bus to work or run errands, which could help you reduce the overall cost burden of owning and driving a noncompliant car.

What happens if I don't pay the ULEZ charge?

If you do not pay the ULEZ charge within three days, you may be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180. Once you receive that fine, you have 28 days to pay it in full. If you pay it within 14 days, the fine goes down to £90. If you do not pay it within the 28-day period, the fine increases by 50% to £270.

Can I make my car ULEZ-compliant?

It is possible to retrofit your car to make it compliant with ULEZ standards by upgrading the exhaust system or adding emissions-reducing technology. This will require taking your car to a garage and having the work done by a qualified mechanic.

However, this is probably not the most cost-effective solution. Depending on your vehicle and fuel type, retrofitting could end up costing more than simply replacing the vehicle by financing a new one.

Where can I find out if my vehicle is ULEZ-compliant for free?

The easiest way to find out if your vehicle is ULEZ-compliant or not is to use our free ULEZ compliance checker at the top of this page. It takes about 5 seconds to enter your info and see if your vehicle is compliant.

If you're unsure about the information provided, check with your vehicle's manufacturer, contact TfL directly for more specific advice or visit a local garage.

Does Google Maps tell you about ULEZ?

Yes. To check if your route falls within the ULEZ boundary, all you have to do is input your destination on Google Maps. If your route is affected by the ULEZ, the map will highlight the boundary. You can also find information about the impact of the ULEZ on your vehicle by visiting the TfL website, which will be linked right inside the Google Maps application.

What time is ULEZ free?

The only day of the year when ULEZ charges do not apply is Christmas Day (25th December). On this day, vehicles are allowed to drive in the ULEZ zone without paying a charge or needing to meet emissions standards. All other days of the year require drivers to pay the ULEZ charge and meet emissions regulations.

How much is the ULEZ fine?

The ULEZ fine is only £12.50 per day. If you drive into the ULEZ zone every day of the year, you could pay up to £4,550 in fees. If you fail to pay a daily charge within three days, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180. This can be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days, or increased to £270 if not paid within 28 days.

How does ULEZ work for residents?

ULEZ works for residents the same way it does for all drivers. If you live in a ULEZ zone, your vehicle must still meet the emissions standards to be exempt from the daily charge. If you don't drive your car, you won't be charged, regardless of your vehicle's compliance status.

What diesel cars are exempt from ULEZ?

To be eligible for an exemption, diesel-powered cars must adhere to the Euro 6 vehicle emission regulations, which were implemented in September 2015. If your diesel car predates this timeframe, it will most likely be subject to the ULEZ charge (though you're unlikely to find one on the market).

Will ULEZ cover all of London?

As of August 2023, ULEZ now covers all of London, both in the central and outer zones. This means all vehicle owners will need to check their car's ULEZ compliance before entering one of these areas. If a vehicle is not ULEZ-compliant, it will have to pay the daily charge of £12.50 to drive anywhere inside the zone.

How do you avoid ULEZ?

The only way to completely avoid ULEZ while continuing to use London's roads is to drive a compliant vehicle. This means either fixing your vehicle to meet the emissions standards or purchasing a new one.

If you drive a car older than 2006 into London 5 days per week, you'll end up paying more than £250 per month in ULEZ charges. So purchasing a newer, ULEZ-compliant car is well worth the investment if you drive into London for work.

Alternatively, you can take public transport or ride a bike! You’ll get to your destination without sitting in traffic and avoid paying the charge.

To avoid paying ULEZ charges some of the time, you may also consider moving into the ULEZ zone, or to the outskirts of London. That way you’ll be able to use your car for some trips and take public transport for others.

Does ULEZ use cameras?

ULEZ cameras are situated at the boundary of the ULEZ zone and throughout. There are currently 1,775 ULEZ cameras in operation, and the TfL plans to continue installing more until it reaches its target of 2,750.

The cameras use number plate and registration data to identify vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standards, and those drivers will be required to pay the £12.50 daily charge.