Check if your car is ZEZ-compliant

Oxford's Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ) is the strictest Low Emissions Zone in the UK. If you want to avoid paying charges, your first step is knowing whether your car is ZEZ-compliant.
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Oxford Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ)

ZEZ is a small pilot area in Oxford's city centre with plans to expand in the near future.

ZEZ area of operation

Oxford's pilot ZEZ area covers the perimeter of the city centre — Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, New Inn Hall Street, and St. Michael's Street. It also covers short lengths of a few surrounding streets.

ZEZ proposed extension area

Oxford's first ZEZ launched on 28th February 2022. For 2023 or 2024, a much larger area  is planned. The proposed second phase stretches from the train line in the west to Great Mill Pond Mead in the east. Its northern border extends from Jericho to Lady Margaret Hall, and the southern border from St Ebbe's by the River to the Cherwell River.

Workplace parking levy

Surrounding the ZEZ is a city-wide workplace parking levy (WPL). the WPL requires businesses with over 11 parking spaces on their premises to pay £11.50 per space per month towards improving sustainable transport in the city. This charge doesn't apply to everyday drivers.

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What is the Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ)?

How ZEZ works

The Oxford Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ) is the first of its kind, charging polluting vehicles for entering a small area in the city centre. The scheme was introduced in this pilot area in late February 2022, with plans to expand it across a much larger area of central Oxford in either 2023 or 2024. ZEZ aims to improve air quality and, by extension, public health by reducing the number of polluting vehicles within the city.

Unlike LEZ, ULEZ, and CAZ, ZEZ is a completely new emissions standard — it doesn't just charge old vehicles. The only vehicles that can enter ZEZ without being hit with a daily charge are fully electric vehicles. Diesel, petrol and hybrid vehicles of all types that enter or drive within the zone will incur a charge no matter what. It's also different in the sense that the zone is not active all day. ZEZ charges only apply for a 12-hour period (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.). These are the hours where congestion is greatest.

Daily charges, discounts and exemptions

For non-compliant vehicles, the ZEZ charge ranges from £2 to £10 based on your vehicle's emissions. From August 2025, these rates are set to double (i.e., £4 to £20). Some drivers who don't drive an electric vehicle can apply for a discounted ZEZ rate. These include vehicles registered for disabled use, health and care workers, vehicles of residents/businesses within the zone, community transport vehicles, students deemed to be in financial hardship, private hire hybrids and Blue Badge holders.

Besides EVs, there are also certain vehicles that are completely exempt. Agricultural vehicles (e.g., tractors), construction vehicles, emergency service vehicles, Hackney carriages licensed in Oxford, hearses, historic vehicles (older than 40 years), military vehicles, registered local buses, and some recovery vehicles are included in the exemptions. There is no need for zero-emissions vehicles to apply for exemption, but the vehicle types listed above will have to. That way, if they are accidentally charged, they can refer to their exemption and appeal the penalty.

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Benefits of using our online ZEZ checker

Knowing if ZEZ charges apply will save you tons of money once the zone expands.
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Check vehicle compliance in seconds

We'll take it if you already know whether your vehicle/fleet is electric or not. What you might not know is whether discounts or exemptions could apply to you and what you need to do to claim them. All you have to do is enter your registration number and our free online ZEZ checker will show you where your vehicle stands on ZEZ compliance in just a few seconds.
2

Plan your route ahead of time

If you don't drive a compliant vehicle and you don't want to pay the ZEZ daily charge, you'll want to know that before starting your journey. Using our online ZEZ compliance checker helps you plan ahead. If you need to enter this area to work, eat, shop or attend an appointment, knowing your compliance status means you can take specific measures to park outside the zone if you have to.
3

Stay informed as ZEZ expands

While the proposed expansion takes place sometime in 2023 or 2024, the exact date is TBD. And, the expansion zone is subject to change. This leaves Oxford residents and business owners confused about how they should prepare or when to expect things to change. Regularly using our ZEZ compliance tool to check your status means you'll always be updated on what's happening and how it affects you or your business.
4

Adequately prepare for the expansion

Eventually, ZEZ will cover a significant portion of central Oxford. Individuals and business owners using petrol/diesel vehicles instead of zero-emissions ones will want to consider switching to an eco-friendlier option before the zone expands. For most, this is a significant investment that requires budgeting ahead of time. Checking your status now will get you on the right track.
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User-friendly interface

Our online ZEZ compliance checker couldn't be easier to use. You can enter your registration on any device and find everything you need to know instantly. Our user-friendly tool provides a quick solution to determining your ZEZ compliance status. And, the map feature allows you to see where the current ZEZ zone is and where it will expand in the future, helping you plan your routes accordingly.
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Avoid expensive daily charges

Since ZEZ is active during typical working hours, many people will enter this zone daily to commute or for work-related reasons. If you drive a non-compliant vehicle, these charges can add up quickly (even if you qualify for a discount). If you're an Oxford business owner with multiple vehicles, the impact will be multiplied. Staying on top of compliance means you can prevent these charges now and as it expands.

ZEZ exemptions and discounts

Zero-emissions vehicles are exempt from daily ZEZ charges. You don't have to apply for this exemption, but you do have to be registered as a zero-emissions vehicle owner with the DVLA.

Discounts are available for:

Blue Badge holders

Community transport vehicles

Disabled tax vehicles

Health and care workers

Oxford Zero Emissions Zone residents

Oxford Zero Emissions Zone businesses

Students moving to or from the zone deemed to be in financial hardship

Some low-emission hybrid private hire and Hackney carriage vehicles

You can apply for discounts via the Oxford City Council website.

Check other low emissions zones

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

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Popular questions about the Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ)

Learn more about the Zero Emissions Zone and how to prepare.
Does Oxford have a Zero Emissions Zone?
Oxford is the only city in Great Britain with a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ). The pilot zone, which was first implemented in February 2022, is a small area in the very centre of the city. There are now plans to expand to a much larger area in 2023/2024 (the date has not been specified).
What time is the Zero Emissions Zone in Oxford?
Oxford's Zero Emissions Zone runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Vehicles that do not meet the ZEZ requirements will be charged a daily fee for driving within the zone during this time. Each vehicle will only be charged for entering the zone once per day.
Can I get a refund for Oxford ZEZ?
If you apply and qualify for a discount or exemption from the ZEZ daily charge, you can receive a refund for any charges given in error. All you have to do is file a dispute. However, you must have evidence of your exemption or discount at the time the charge was paid.
Which vehicles are allowed in the Oxford ZEZ?
There are no restrictions on which types of vehicles are allowed within the ZEZ. Every vehicle is able to pass through, but only zero-emissions electric vehicles are exempt from the daily charge. If your vehicle has a hybrid, petrol or diesel engine, you will need to pay somewhere between £2 and £10, depending on your vehicle's emissions.
What are the benefits of the Oxford ZEZ?
Although daily changes for non-EV owners can be frustrating, the expansion of the ZEZ is expected to significantly reduce harmful emissions in Oxford. This will improve air quality and create a healthier environment for residents. It also encourages people to switch to electric or other zero-emissions vehicles, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change.
Are there any exemptions to the Zero Emissions Zone requirements?
There are plenty of exemptions to the Zero Emissions Zone requirements. Agricultural vehicles (e.g., tractors), construction vehicles, emergency service vehicles, Hackney carriages licensed in Oxford, hearses, historic vehicles (older than 40 years), military vehicles, registered local buses, and some recovery vehicles are included in the exemptions.
Will there be financial penalties for ZEZ non-compliance?
Those who enter or drive within the ZEZ area between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. without a zero-emissions vehicle will receive a daily charge between £2 and £10 each day they do. If you don't pay the fee within six days of entering the zone, you'll receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) for £60, which you'll have 28 days to pay. If you pay it within 14, you can reduce your fine to £30.
How can I prepare for the Oxford ZEZ?
Since ZEZ is expanding across Oxford's city centre, the best thing you can do to prepare as an Oxford resident or business owner is invest in an electric vehicle. Although you may qualify for discounts by living/operating within the zone, charges will add up over time. So, a large short-term investment in a zero-emissions vehicle will save you money in the long run.
Where can I find more information about the Oxford ZEZ?
You can find more information about the Oxford ZEZ by visiting the Oxford City Council website or our ZEZ compliance checker tool. It's important to stay informed and up-to-date on any changes or expansions to the zone, as it may affect your daily commute and transportation choices. You can also sign up for email updates from the council to receive regular notifications about the ZEZ.
How can I contact Zero Emissions Zone support?
You can contact the Zero Emissions Zone team by visiting their website. On the first page, you'll answer a few questions about what you want to do. Then, the site will put you through to the appropriate team member to assist you. You can also use this site to apply for discounts and make changes to your vehicle registration information.

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