Petrol cars
- To avoid the ULEZ charge, petrol cars must meet Euro 4 emissions standards at the least
- Most petrol cars produced on or after January 2006 will be Euro 4 compliant
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ULEZ exempt vehicles
Which vehicles are exempt from ULEZ?
The ULEZ scheme is designed to improve London’s air quality, which means only vehicles that meet the latest emissions standards will avoid the fine. For diesel vehicles, this means complying with Euro 6 standards while petrol vehicles need only meet Euro 4 standards.
Some drivers and vehicles may qualify for a temporary discount from the ULEZ charge while others may be totally exempt.
Check if your vehicle is ULEZ exempt with the government’s online vehicle checker.
ULEZ exempt cars
A series of Euro emissions standards have been introduced since 1992, introducing stricter limits for harmful gas emissions of business vehicles sold in the EU and EEA.
The Euro 6 standard was introduced in September 2015 for cars and September 2016 for vans. Most new cars sold since September 2015 have had to meet the Euro 6 standard and many were already compliant before then. Use the table below to check the emissions standard for your business vehicle.
A car sold before 1st September 2016 may still have a Euro 5 engine. Check with the manufacturer to be certain. https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/euro-emissions-standards
Diesel cars
- Only Euro 6-compliant diesel cars are exempt from ULEZ charges
- Almost every diesel car produced since September 2015 meets the standard
Hybrid and electric cars
- All electric cars are exempt from ULEZ charges
- Hybrid cars with a petrol engine must comply with Euro 4 regulations
- Diesel hybrids are only ULEZ-exempt if they meet Euro 6 standards
ULEZ Exempt Vans and LCVs
Van drivers are among the hardest hit by the ULEZ charges as most vans are diesel-powered, and so must meet the latest Euro 6 standards.
If you operate a non-compliant van within the ULEZ, this could increase your annual operating cost:
ULEZ diesel vans
- Diesel-powered vans will only avoid ULEZ charges if they are Euro 6-compliant
- This should include all new diesel vans sold from September 2016
ULEZ petrol vans and LCVs
- Petrol vans need to meet Euro 4 standards
- This should include all petrol vans registered with the DVLA from January 2006
ULEZ Exempt Lorries and Buses
Heavy vehicles including lorries, buses, coaches and specialist vehicles will need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards to avoid paying the ULEZ charge. This includes heavy-duty diesel engines produced since December 2012.
Motorcycles Exempt from ULEZ
Motorbikes, mopeds and quads must meet Euro 3 standards to be ULEZ-exempt.
ULEZ London Residents Discount
Those registered for the residents' Congestion Charge discount are eligible for a 100% ULEZ discount until 24th October 2021. This is to give local residents more time to change their vehicle to meet the ULEZ standards.
The discount will apply to those who live within the London ULEZ and designated areas next to the Congestion Charge resident’s discount boundary.
ULEZ for Blue Badge holders in London
Vehicles registered with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicles' tax class will benefit from a grace period after the ULEZ starts until 26th October 2025 as long as their vehicle doesn't change tax class.
Blue Badge holders must pay the charge unless their vehicle meets the ULEZ emission standards, or is registered with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class.
Other ULEZ exempt vehicles
Designated wheelchair-accessible PHVs will be granted a grace period
All vehicles that have a historic vehicle tax class will be exempt from the ULEZ
- Agricultural vehicles
- Military vehicles
- Certain types of mobile cranes
- Discount for showman's vehicles
Minibuses operated under a section 19 or section 22 permit by not-for-profit organisations will be eligible for a grace period.
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