Cars

Cars need to meet minimum emissions standards when travelling within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the daily £12.50 charge must be paid.

Minimum emissions standards

Petrol: Euro 4 (NOx)
Diesel: Euro 6 (NOx and PM)

The ULEZ is enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the age. However:

  • Petrol cars that meet the ULEZ standards are generally those first registered as new with the DVLA after 2005, although cars that meet the standards have been available since 2001
  • Diesel cars that meet the standards are generally those first registered with the DVLA as new after September 2015

Charges (if ULEZ standards NOT met)

We prefer that you use a vehicle that meets the emissions standards rather than pay a daily charge.

A daily charge runs from midnight to midnight. If you drive within the ULEZ area across two days, for example before midnight and after midnight, you will have to pay two daily charges.

  • Daily ULEZ charge: £12.50
  • Penalty charge: £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days)

These are in addition to any Congestion Charge that applies. (Cars and motorcycles are not subject to the Low Emission Zone (LEZ)).

How to pay

Patients travelling to NHS hospital appointments may be able to get a refund for ULEZ charges. Find out more about NHS reimbursements.

Your options

If your vehicle does not meet the required ULEZ standards you can:

Use public transport, walk, or cycle wherever possible

  • Download the TfL Go app to plan real-time journeys, receive live travel updates and to find quieter times to travel

Take advantage of our fares

Join a car club

See if you qualify for a discount or exemption

Go electric

  • Electric cars emit no NOx or CO2 from the tailpipe (compared to 120 g/km CO2 for the average small petrol car). Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information on electric and plug-in hybrids.
  • We are working with partners to develop a network of rapid charging points in London to help you charge your vehicle quickly and efficiently. More information on London's network of rapid charging points and useful tools on the Electric vehicles and charge points page

Upgrade to a second-hand vehicle that meets ULEZ standards

If you're thinking of buying a new or second-hand car, first look up its emissions in real-world driving conditions with the Mayor of London's Cleaner Vehicle Checker.

  • Nearly all petrol vehicles produced since 2005 meet the ULEZ standards
  • Vehicles which meet the equivalent of the Euro 4 NOx standard for petrol have been available to buy since 2001

Check your vehicle now to see if you're affected. For new vehicles, the Euro emissions standard may be listed on your vehicle registration document (also known as the V5C).

If it's not shown, you can use the date when the vehicle was first registered with the DVLA - this is in section B of the document. Then check GOV.UK's vehicle enquiry service.

If the car is a hire purchase, you can visit the Citizens Advice website for additional guidance. If you have arranged finance to purchase a vehicle, you may be able to request a settlement figure from your provider to help you with the sale of your vehicle. Find more information on paying off a credit agreement early on the Citizens Advice website.

Pay the daily charge

Questions about ULEZ?

If you need more advice about the ULEZ, you can make an enquiry.

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