ULEZ & Clean Air Zones
What is ULEZ
What is ULEZ compliant?
CheckFuelPrices Editorial
Expert Written • 4 industry sources
A ULEZ compliant vehicle meets the emission standards set by Transport for London, meaning it can drive inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone without paying the daily charge. For most cars, this means petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 and diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6.
What Are the ULEZ Emission Standards?
Petrol cars:
Petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 standard, which generally applies to vehicles first registered from January 2006 onwards.
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Diesel cars:
Diesel cars must meet the stricter Euro 6 standard, which generally applies to vehicles first registered from September 2015 onwards.
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Motorcycles and mopeds:
Motorcycles and mopeds must meet Euro 3, typically those registered from July 2007.
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What Happens If Your Vehicle Is Not Compliant?
Daily charge:
Non-compliant cars face a £12.50 daily charge to drive inside the ULEZ. Heavier vehicles such as lorries and buses face a £100 daily charge.
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Zone coverage:
Since August 2023, the ULEZ covers all of Greater London — not just central areas — affecting millions more drivers.
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Fines for non-payment:
Failing to pay the charge results in a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £180 for cars and motorcycles.
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How Euro Standards Relate to Compliance
What Euro standards measure:
Euro standards set legal limits on harmful exhaust emissions including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. Higher Euro numbers mean cleaner engines.
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Registration year is a guide, not a guarantee:
Most cars registered after 2006 (petrol) or 2015 (diesel) are compliant, but some older models may qualify and some newer ones may not — always check your specific vehicle.
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How to Check if Your Vehicle Is ULEZ Compliant
TfL's free vehicle checker:
Enter your number plate into TfL's official vehicle checker tool to get an instant compliant or non-compliant result for the London ULEZ.
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Other Clean Air Zones:
Cities including Birmingham, Bath, and Bristol also operate Clean Air Zones with similar Euro standard thresholds. Check each council's own checker tool if you drive outside London.
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Sources
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