ULEZ Checker
Check if your vehicle meets London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone standards
What is the London ULEZ?
Introduced in April 2019, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was brought in to combat air pollution and improve air quality in and around central London. It currently covers the same area as the London congestion charge, but unlike the congestion charge, it is operational all day, everyday except Christmas (25 December).
ULEZ expansion
ULEZ 2023 expansion
As part of ongoing efforts to make London’s air cleaner and healthier, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone was expanded on 29th August 2023. The updated ULEZ boundary now spreads out to the peripheries of the city encompassing all of the London boroughs, extending up to the M25 orbital and giving a more extensive protective layer against air pollution.
It’s worth noting that the North and South Circular Roads themselves won’t be part of the ULEZ, much like the 2021 expansion.
ULEZ 2021 expansion, what changed?
To improve air quality for millions more Londoners, the Ultra Low Emission Zone expanded on 25 October 2021 to create a single, larger zone up to the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). The North and South Circular Roads themselves were not included in the expanded zone.
Which cars will be affected by ULEZ charges?
Newer vehicles will generally not be affected as they tend to meet emissions standards. However, owners of older vehicles manufactured before 2006 (petrol) and 2017 (diesel) who commute or live within the newly inclusive area could find they’ve drawn the short straw as they’re levied with the daily charge every time they drive in the area.
How much is the ULEZ daily charge?
The ULEZ daily charge is –
- £12.50 for cars, motorcycles, vans, specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes), and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes).
- £100 for lorries, buses, coaches and other heavier vehicles.
You can pay the ULEZ charge on the Transport for London website by midnight on the third day following the journey or up to 90 days in advance.
When does the ULEZ charge apply?
The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year (except Christmas Day).
The daily ULEZ charge runs from midnight to midnight and applies to all vehicle types (excluding black cabs) that do not meet the ULEZ standards when driving within the ULEZ zone. The charge applies no matter how short the journey — ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras track and record vehicles entering the ULEZ zone.
If your vehicle does not meet ULEZ standards and you drive within the ULEZ area across two days, for example before midnight and after midnight, you’ll have to pay two daily charges.
For more information and how to prepare, see ULEZ expansion.
London ULEZ FAQ’s
Is ULEZ 24 hours?
Which vehicles are affected by ULEZ?
How much is the ULEZ charge?
The ULEZ daily charge is:
- £12.50 for cars, motorcycles, vans, specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes), and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes).
- £100 for lorries, buses, coaches and other heavier vehicles.
Are there any exemptions or discounts?
Yes, residents living within the zone, disabled badge holders, and some historic vehicles may be eligible for a discount or be exempt.
Showman’s discount
If you own a specially constructed or modified vehicle used for a travelling show, it may be eligible for a discount on daily ULEZ and LEZ charges.
How do I pay the ULEZ charge?
You can pay the ULEZ charge on the Transport for London website by midnight on the third day following the journey or up to 90 days in advance.
What happens if I don't pay the ULEZ charge?
If you drive within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in a vehicle that does not meet the emissions standards and you do not pay the correct daily charge by midnight on the third day following the journey, you may be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). If issued a PCN, you’ll have 28 days to pay it.
- Cars, vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles and mopeds
Up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight
£180 or £90 (if paid within 14 days) - Motor caravans and Ambulances
2.5 – 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight
£180 or £90 (if paid within 14 days) - Minibuses (with more than 8 passenger seats weighing)
5 tonnes or less gross vehicle weight
£180 or £90 (if paid within 14 days)
- Cars, vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles and mopeds
Is ULEZ the same as the Congestion Charge Zone?
No, the ULEZ and the London Congestion Charge are two separate initiatives and are levied separately. The Congestion Charge covers central London, whereas the ULEZ operates across all London boroughs excluding the North and South Circular ring roads and the M25.
As well as ULEZ and LEZ charges, you may also need to pay the Congestion Charge. The Congestion Charge operates 07:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank holiday (inclusive).
If you drive within the Congestion Charge zone during these times you need to pay the Congestion Charge, even if you meet the ULEZ and LEZ emissions standards or have paid those daily charges.
The charges only need to be paid if you drive your vehicle within the zone. Parked vehicles are not subject to any charges.
