What you'll see
- Fuel type: petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
- Year of manufacture and first registration date
- Engine size (cc)
- CO2 emissions (g/km)
- Euro emission standard indicator
- ULEZ compliance guidance based on vehicle data
What is ULEZ and how does it affect your car?
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) is a daily charge for driving vehicles that do not meet minimum emission standards. London's ULEZ covers the entire Greater London area and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The daily charge for non-compliant cars is £12.50. If you drive a non-compliant car in London regularly, this adds up to over £4,500 per year.
The emission standards that determine compliance are based on the European emission standard (Euro standard) of your vehicle. Petrol cars must meet Euro 4 or better, which generally means petrol cars first registered from January 2006 onwards. Diesel cars must meet Euro 6, which generally means diesel cars first registered from September 2015 onwards. All fully electric cars are compliant regardless of age.
ULEZ is not just a London issue. Clean Air Zones with similar charges operate or are planned in Birmingham, Bath, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth and other UK cities. Each zone has its own rules, but most follow similar Euro standard thresholds. If you are buying a used car and live in or near any major UK city, checking ULEZ compliance is now essential.
For used car buyers, ULEZ compliance directly affects a car's value and desirability. A non-compliant diesel in London is significantly less attractive than an identical compliant model, and prices reflect this. If you are selling a non-compliant car, be aware that your buyer pool is shrinking as more zones come into force. Checking compliance before buying helps you avoid a car that will cost you £12.50 every time you drive to work.
Euro standards and ULEZ compliance explained
ULEZ compliance is determined by your car's Euro emission standard. The critical difference between petrol and diesel thresholds catches many buyers off guard.
The compliance rules
- Petrol cars must meet Euro 4 (generally registered after January 2006). Some Euro 4 petrol cars were available as early as 2001 from manufacturers like Honda and Toyota.
- Diesel cars must meet Euro 6 (generally registered after September 2015). This is roughly 10 years newer than the petrol threshold.
- Electric and hydrogen vehicles are always compliant.
- Historic vehicles registered before 1 January 1973 are exempt.
- Motorcycles must meet Euro 3 (generally registered after 2007).
Charges and penalties
The ULEZ daily charge is £12.50 for non-compliant cars and vans. The zone covers all of Greater London and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day except Christmas Day. If you drive in ULEZ without paying, the penalty charge notice is £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days). Enforcement is entirely automated via ANPR cameras.
Clean Air Zones beyond London
Seven English cities operate Clean Air Zones: Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Bradford, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead). However, only Birmingham (£8 per day) and Bristol (£9 per day) charge private cars. The others only charge commercial vehicles, buses, taxis and lorries. Scotland has its own Low Emission Zones in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee with different rules. If you regularly drive into multiple cities, check each zone individually.
Frequently asked questions
Is my car ULEZ compliant?
Enter your registration above to see your car's fuel type, age and emissions data. As a general guide: petrol cars first registered from January 2006 are usually compliant (Euro 4+). Diesel cars first registered from September 2015 are usually compliant (Euro 6). All electric and hydrogen cars are compliant. Some cars registered slightly before these dates may also comply if the manufacturer adopted the standard early.
How much is the ULEZ charge?
The daily ULEZ charge in London is £12.50 for cars, motorcycles and vans. Heavier vehicles like lorries, buses and coaches pay £100 per day. The charge applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. There is no annual pass or discount for regular users. Failure to pay results in a penalty charge notice of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
Does ULEZ apply outside London?
Yes. Several other UK cities have Clean Air Zones with similar emission-based charges. Birmingham's Clean Air Zone charges £8 per day for non-compliant cars. Bath, Bristol, Bradford and Portsmouth also have zones in operation or planning. Each city sets its own boundaries and charges, but the Euro standard thresholds are generally consistent. Check the specific zone before driving.
What Euro standard is my car?
The Euro standard is determined by when the vehicle was type-approved, not when it was registered. However, registration date is a reliable indicator: Euro 4 petrol from ~2006, Euro 5 from ~2011, Euro 6 diesel from ~2015. Our free check shows your car's registration date and fuel type so you can determine the likely Euro standard. For a definitive answer, check the V5C logbook or contact the manufacturer.
Are hybrid cars ULEZ compliant?
Most hybrid cars are ULEZ compliant because they use petrol engines that meet Euro 4 or above. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are almost always compliant. Mild hybrids depend on the underlying petrol or diesel engine meeting the relevant standard. Fully electric cars are always compliant with zero emissions. Enter your registration to check.
Will ULEZ expand further?
London's ULEZ expanded to cover all of Greater London in August 2023. There are no announced plans for further geographic expansion in London, but emission standards may tighten in future. Other UK cities continue to introduce and expand their Clean Air Zones. The general trend is towards stricter enforcement and wider coverage, making emission compliance increasingly important for used car buyers.
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Learn more
Vehicle data from DVLA. ULEZ rules and charging from Transport for London. Clean Air Zone information from respective local authorities. Last updated September 2026.