Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London: What Drivers Need to Know
Driving in London can be a complex experience for those unfamiliar with local regulations. In addition to heavy traffic and parking costs, there is a system of low emission zones designed to reduce pollution and congestion. The most important and discussed is the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone). If you plan to drive in the British capital, this guide explains everything you need to know to avoid hefty fines and travel legally.
What is the ULEZ in London?
The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) is a low emission zone that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, including Christmas and holidays. The goal is to encourage the use of cleaner vehicles and improve air quality. To drive within this zone, vehicles must meet strict emission standards. Otherwise, a daily charge applies.
As of August 29, 2023, the ULEZ has been expanded to cover all boroughs of London, from the inner boundaries of the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205) to the boundaries of Greater London.
What are the ULEZ emission standards?
To drive without paying, your car must meet these standards:
Gasoline cars and vans:Must comply with the standardsEuro 4. In practice, most gasoline vehicles registered after2005are compliant.
Diesel cars and vans:Must comply with the standardsEuro 6. In practice, most diesel vehicles registered afterSeptember 2015are compliant.
Motorcycles and mopeds:Must comply with the standardsEuro 3(registered after around 2007).
Heavier vehicles (trucks, buses):Have different standards and are subject to a separate charge called LEZ (Low Emission Zone) that covers all of Greater London.
How to check if your car is compliant?
You can check the log book to look for the Euro standard (e.g. "Euro 4" or "Euro 6"). The safest way is to use the official Transport for London (TfL) website and enter your vehicle's license plate for an immediate check.
How much does the ULEZ cost?
If your vehicle does not meet the emission standards, you must pay a daily charge of£12.50to drive within the zone.
The charge is daily:You pay once for each day of driving, regardless of how many trips you make or how much you drive.
The payment is valid until midnight the following day.
The charge is in addition to other tolls:If your car is not compliant and you drive in the Congestion Charge (central zone), you will have to paybothcharges.
When and how do you pay the ULEZ?
You must pay by midnight on the third day following the trip.
How to pay:
Online:On the official Transport for London (TfL) website.
App:Through the official TfL Pay to drive in London app.
Phone:By calling the TfL customer service.
Auto Pay:An automatic registration service. Link your credit card to the vehicle's license plate. If your vehicle is not exempt and you enter the ULEZ, the payment is automatically charged. It is the most convenient system for those who drive frequently in London.
Important:There are no toll booths or barriers. The system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that record vehicles entering, exiting, and moving within the zone.
ULEZ map: Where is it?
As of August 29, 2023, the ULEZ covers the entire area ofGreater London. The boundaries coincide with the M25 motorway, which is not included in the zone.
Northern limit:Up to Enfield and Barnet.
Southern limit:Up to Croydon and Bromley.
Eastern limit:Up to Havering and Bexley.
Western limit:Up to Hillingdon and Hounslow.
Excluded main roads?
Some stretches of main roads like the M25 and the part of the A1(M) outside Greater London are exempt, but the vast majority of roads within the M25 belt are subject to ULEZ. It is always advisable to check the interactive map on the TfL website before planning a route.
ULEZ vs Congestion Charge: What is the difference?
There is often confusion between these two charges. They are separate and independent taxes.
| Feature | ULEZ | Congestion Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Reduce air pollution | Reduce traffic in the city center |
| Zone | All of Greater London (from 2023) | Only central London (area defined by the Circle Line) |
| Hours | 24 hours a day, every day | Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays) |
| Cost | £12.50 per day | £15.00 per day |
| Who pays | Vehicles not compliant with Euro standards | All motor vehicles (with some exemptions) |
If you drive a non-compliant diesel car in central London on a weekday, you will payboth, the charges: £12.50 (ULEZ) + £15.00 (Congestion Charge) = £27.50 per day.
Exemptions and Discounts
Some vehicles are exempt or benefit from discounts:
Disabled vehicles:Exempt, upon registration.
Historic vehicles:Vehicles built before January 1, 1973 are exempt (with some exceptions for engine modifications).
Electric vehicles:Are they exempt?No.Electric vehicles comply with the standards (so they don't pay), but if regulations change in the future, they would have to pay. Currently, being Euro 6 or higher, they do not pay the ULEZ.
Residents:Residents in the ULEZ area do not receive discounts on the daily charge if their vehicle is non-compliant. However, they can benefit from temporary exemptions for moving or medical reasons.
Fines and Penalties
If you drive a non-compliant vehicle within the ULEZ and do not pay the charge by the deadline (midnight on the third day after), you will receive aPenalty Charge Notice (PCN) .
Fine amount:Generally£180, reduced to£90if paid within 14 days.
Additional costs:If you do not pay the fine, it may increase and debt recovery procedures may be initiated.
Advice for foreign drivers
If you are a tourist and are thinking about driving in London:
Consider whether it is really necessary:London is one of the best-connected cities in the world by public transport. Driving is often slower and more stressful. Parking is difficult and very expensive (up to £7-8 per hour in the center).
Check your car BEFORE you leave:Use the TfL website to check if your car is compliant. Italian (and generally European) cars newer than 2016 (petrol) or 2017 (diesel) are almost certainly fine, but it's best to check.
Plan your route:If you absolutely must drive, plan your route considering that any road within the M25 (excluding the motorway itself) is likely subject to ULEZ.
Park and use public transport:The best strategy is to park your car in a Park & Ride outside London and continue by subway or train.
Register to pay:On the day of your trip, or at most within three days, pay online. Keep proof of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ULEZ Guide London
Is ULEZ in effect at night?
Yes, ULEZ is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are no exempt time periods.
Do I have to pay ULEZ if I park but do not drive?
Yes. The charge applies if the vehicle is driven within the zone. If you park and do not move, the vehicle is still within the zone. However, the charge is daily. If you enter on Monday and park until Tuesday, you pay for Monday (the day of entry) and if you move on Tuesday, you also pay for Tuesday. If you do not move, you only pay for the day you entered.
Does my Italian Euro 6 car pay ULEZ?
If your diesel car is Euro 6 (registered after September 2015) or your petrol car is Euro 4 (after 2005),you do not have to payULEZ. You are compliant.
How do I know if my car is Euro 6?
Check field V.9 (emission standard) on the vehicle registration document. It should state "Euro 6" or an equivalent designation (e.g., 6/VI). If in doubt, use the vehicle checker on the TfL website.
What happens if I drive in ULEZ without paying?
You will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (fine) of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
Does ULEZ apply to motorcycles?
Yes, motorcycles and mopeds must meet Euro 3 standards (generally registered after 2007) to avoid charges. Otherwise, they pay £12.50 per day.
What is the difference between ULEZ and LEZ?
LEZ (Low Emission Zone) is a separate zone that applies to heavy vehicles (trucks, vans over 3.5 tons, buses) throughout Greater London. ULEZ applies to all vehicles (cars, motorcycles, vans) in the same area. If you drive a car, only ULEZ applies to you.
Can I rent a car in London and drive in ULEZ?
Rental cars are generally new and compliant with ULEZ standards. However, the rental company may charge you a service fee for handling fines. Always check with the rental company about their policies on ULEZ and Congestion Charge.
Is there an app to know if I have to pay?
The official TfL Pay to drive in London app allows you to pay. You can also use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, which now show the boundaries of ULEZ and Congestion Charge when planning your route.
ULEZ London driving
Driving in London requires careful planning, especially in light of the ULEZ expansion across the city. The golden rule is simple: check your vehicle's compliance before you set off. If your car is modern, you're probably fine. If it's not, you'll need to pay £12.50 per day or, better yet, consider leaving the car outside the city and taking advantage of the excellent public transport network. Remember that cameras are everywhere and fines can be hefty. Getting informed in advance is the only way to enjoy your visit without unpleasant surprises.
Review date:March 2026