ULEZ Expansion Explained: Are You In The Zone?

What Is ULEZ?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is an area in Greater London where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards or pay a daily charge. The scheme was introduced to improve London's air quality and reduce concentrations of harmful pollutants, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) from diesel engines.

ULEZ at a glance

Coverage: All 32 London boroughs plus the City of London
Operated by: Transport for London (TfL)
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Daily charge for non-compliant cars: £12.50
Daily charge for non-compliant vans/minibuses: £12.50
Daily charge for non-compliant HGVs: £100
Penalty for non-payment: £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days)

Is Your Vehicle Compliant?

Compliance is based on the emission standard your vehicle meets — not its age. A newer vehicle with a non-compliant engine can still be charged, while an older vehicle with the right certification may be exempt.

Compliant vehicle types

Petrol cars: Euro 4 standard or better (most petrol cars registered from 2006)
Diesel cars: Euro 6 standard or better (most diesel cars registered from 2015)
Electric vehicles: Always compliant — zero direct emissions
Hybrids: Compliant if the combustion engine meets the Euro standard for its fuel type
Motorcycles and mopeds: Euro 3 standard or better

Non-compliant and at risk

Older diesel cars registered before 2015 (pre-Euro 6)
Older petrol cars registered before 2006 (pre-Euro 4)
Most diesel vans registered before 2016
Classic and historic vehicles (not exempt from ULEZ)

Check before you drive

Always check your specific vehicle using TfL's ULEZ checker before driving in London. The registration number alone determines compliance — not the make, model, or your assumption about the year.

Clean Air Zones Beyond London

ULEZ is not unique to London. Several UK cities operate Clean Air Zones (CAZs) with varying rules, coverage areas, and charges. If you drive in any major UK city regularly, it's worth checking whether a CAZ applies.

UK Clean Air Zones (2026)

Birmingham: Class D CAZ — charges cars, taxis, vans, HGVs
Bath: Class C CAZ — taxis, vans and HGVs (private cars exempt at time of writing)
Bristol: Class C CAZ — taxis, vans and HGVs
Manchester: Greater Manchester CAZ in development
Newcastle/Gateshead: Class B CAZ — taxis and HGVs
Portsmouth: Class B CAZ — buses, coaches, taxis and HGVs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ULEZ daily charge?

The daily ULEZ charge is £12.50 for non-compliant cars, motorcycles and vans. This charge applies every day your vehicle is driven within the zone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How do I check if my car is ULEZ compliant?

You can check your vehicle's ULEZ compliance using TfL's official vehicle checker at tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle. You'll need your vehicle registration number. MOTR also displays your vehicle's emissions data.

Does ULEZ apply outside London?

ULEZ is a London-specific scheme, but several other UK cities operate similar Clean Air Zones (CAZs) including Birmingham, Bath, Bristol and Manchester. Each has different rules and charge levels.

Which vehicles are ULEZ exempt?

Petrol cars meeting Euro 4 standards (generally 2006 onwards), diesel cars meeting Euro 6 standards (generally 2015 onwards), and all electric vehicles are ULEZ exempt. Hybrid vehicles must also meet the relevant Euro standard for their engine.