ULEZ In London Explained

*Updated 2026*

👉 ULEZ Explained
👉 ULEZ Map
👉 What makes a car ULEZ compliant? 
👉 How can I check if my car is ULEZ compliant? 
👉 Final thoughts
👉 FAQs

Clean air zones have appeared across the UK, and London is no exception. The introduction of the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) in 2019 has left many wondering whether they’ll have to pay to drive around London. Fear not, Marsh Finance has provided everything you need to know about ULEZ, including whether your car is exempt from any charges.

London ULEZ Explained

The London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced in April 2019 by Transport for London (TfL) to reduce toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)emissions. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across all London boroughs within the M25 boundary.

Any car registered after 2006 must meet certain standards to be ULEZ compliant. For petrol cars, this is Euro 4 emission, and for diesel this is Euro 6 emission standards.

ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, except Christmas Day.

The charges you will face under ULEZ are as follows;

• £12.50 a day for cars, vans and motorcycles
• £100 a day for buses, coaches and lorries

The London ULEZ charges £12.50 per day to vehicles that do not meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) emission standards.

As of August 2023, the ULEZ covers all London boroughs within the Greater London Authority boundary, broadly up to the M25 motorway. If you’re driving to London any time soon, you may be wondering what your charge will be. Fortunately, not all vehicles are liable to this charge, and so you may be wondering if you are ULEZ compliant. With that, we have covered what makes a vehicle exempt from ULEZ charges.

ULEZ London – Key Facts

Summary: The ULEZ operates 365 days a year (except Christmas Day), covers all London boroughs up to the M25 boundary, and is enforced by Transport for London using ANPR cameras.

• Operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (except Christmas Day)
• Covers all London boroughs up to the M25 boundary
• £12.50 per day for cars, vans and motorcycles
• £100 per day for buses, coaches and lorries
• Enforced by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras

Administered by Transport for London (TfL)

Where Does The London ULEZ Apply?

Summary: The ULEZ covers all 32 London boroughs and theCity of London within the Greater London Authority boundary, broadly up to theM25 motorway.

To better help you understand how ULEZ is set up around London, Transport for London have produced a handy map 👇.

What Makes A Car ULEZ-Compliant? 

Summary: Petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 emission standards and diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards to avoid the £12.50daily ULEZ charge in London.

Any car registered after January 2006 must meet certain standards to be ULEZ compliant. For petrol cars, they must meet the Euro 4emission standards. These standards are as follows:

• Petrol cars have to produce CO of no more than 1.0g/km,
• Total Hydro Carbon (THC) emissions of no more than 0.10g/km
• NOx emissions of 0.08g/km.

If your petrol car meets Euro 4 standards, you won’t have to pay to enter a ULEZ zone.

For diesel cars, they must meet Euro 6 standards to avoid ULEZ charges. Euro 6 standards state the following:

A diesel car cannot emit more than 80mg/km of NOx gases.

Again, any diesel car that meets this standard will be able to miss out on ULEZ charges.

Vehicles Exempt From ULEZ

Summary: Historic vehicles over 40 years old, licensed London taxis, disabled tax class vehicles and fully electric vehicles are exempt from ULEZ charges.

• Historic vehicles (40+ years old)
• Licensed London taxis
• Disabled tax class vehicles
• Fully electric vehicles

How Can I Check If My Car Is ULEZ-Compliant? 

Summary: Drivers can check ULEZ compliance using the official Transport for London (TfL) vehicle checker by entering their vehicle registration number.

You can check your vehicle using:

• The official Transport for London ULEZ checker
• Your vehicle registration document (V5C)

As we’ve mentioned, any petrol car older than 2006 will likely face a ULEZ charge. If your car was produced after 2006 but you are still unsure as to whether it’s ULEZ compliant, you can use a free tool to check.

Motorway provides a free ULEZ checker. For this, all you must do is input your vehicle registration and click ‘check compliance’. The free tool will then let you know if your vehicle is compliant. It really is that easy, and definitely what we would recommend if you are unsure of your car’s compliance. You can use their easy tool here https://motorway.co.uk/ulez-checker.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay ULEZ?

Summary: If the daily ULEZ charge is not paid, Transport for London issues a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which increases if not settled within 28 days.

If you do not pay the daily charge, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) issued by Transport for London. The penalty increases if not paid within 28 days.

Final Thoughts 

The implementation of ULEZ is necessary in our fight against climate change. Want to avoid ULEZ charges and contribute to reducing emissions in London? Apply for car finance with Marsh Finance today! Our application process is quick and easy, and you can find out if you’re pre-approved on the same day. With competitive rates and flexible terms, we can help you get the car you need while also doing your part for the environment. Don’t wait, apply now and start driving towards a cleaner, greener future! 

What Is ULEZ? - FAQS

What Is ULEZ?

ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone, and is an area covering the inner city of London and its outskirts. Cars that are not ULEZ-compliant and enter the zone will have to pay a fee: £12.50 a day (cars, vans, motorcycles) and £100 a day (buses, coaches and lorries).

The aim of ULEZ is to push people to making their cars ULEZ compliant, whilst reducing trips in and out of the zone, whether that be walking or alternate transport.

Where is the ULEZ zone?

The ULEZ covers all London boroughs within the Greater London Authority boundary, broadly up to the M25 motorway. Any non-compliant ULEZ cars that travel through this area will have to pay the charge, depending on their type of vehicle.

How Much Is ULEZ Charge/Fine?

The fine depends on what transport you are in:

• £12.50 a day for cars, motorcycles and vans.
• £100 a day for buses, coaches and lorries.

Is My Car ULEZ Compliant?

If you have a petrol car, it must meet Euro 4 Emission standards to be ULEZ-compliant.

If you own a diesel car, it must meet Euro 6 Emission standards.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are ULEZ-compliant.

You can check if your car is ULEZ-compliant via a free online tool: https://motorway.co.uk/ulez-checker.

How To Pay ULEZ

You have two options when it comes to ULEZ payments. You can either:

• Set up an automatic bill that covers congestion charges, Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges and ULEZ.
• Make one-off payments via Transport for London's online portal.

What Cars Are ULEZ Compliant?

Petrol cars that meet Euro 4 Emission standards are compliant. Diesel cars that meet Euro 6 Emission standards are also compliant, and all electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt.

Some of the best ULEZ-compliant cars are:

• Ford Fiesta
• Skoda Octavia
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Golf
• Audi A3 Sportback
• Toyota Corolla
• Seat Ibiza
• Honda Civic

Is Heathrow In ULEZ?

Yes, Heathrow Airport is covered under ULEZ, as of August2023.

Is Gatwick In ULEZ?

Gatwick is not located in the ULEZ.

Are Diesel Cars ULEZ Compliant?

Diesel cars are ULEZ-compliant, as long as they meet Euro 6Emission standards. In more detail, Euro 6 cars don't emit more than 80mg/km ofNOx gases.

What Is A ULEZ Camera?

ULEZ cameras are set up around the ULEZ to capture driversmoving through. It uses automatic number plate recognition to cross-check carsagainst ULEZ requirements, and a decision is then made if the driver needs topay a charge.

How Will I Know If I Need To Pay ULEZ?

You will be made aware of ULEZ charges via Transport forLondon, who will send a letter to your registered address. The letter will makeyou aware of how much you owe, and will provide a time limit in which to pay.

What Age Cars Are Exempt From ULEZ?

Vehicles over the age of 40 are exempt from ULEZ.

Why Do We Have ULEZ?

ULEZ was brought in to improve air quality around London. Itaims to deter drivers of non-compliant cars to enter the zone, unless they wantto pay a daily charge. Another hope of ULEZ is that drivers swap outnon-compliant cars for ones that meet the required emissions standards.

Is Euro 5 ULEZ Compliant?

Euro 5 Emission standard is compliant, but only for PETROLcars. If you have a diesel car, it must meet Euro 6 Emission standards.

Can You Pay Monthly For ULEZ?

You can set up automatic payments which covers:

• Congestion charges
• Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges
• ULEZ

You can set up the automatic billing via the Transport forLondon website.

What Happens If You Forget To Pay ULEZ Within 3 Days?

If you don't pay your ULEZ charge after three days, youcould receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). If the PCN is then not paid within28 days, you could face larger fines and even legal implications.