Most petrol cars that meet Euro 4 and diesel cars that meet Euro 6 are ULEZ compliant. The only way to be certain is to enter your registration in Transport for London's free vehicle checker. If your car does not meet the standard, the charge is £12.50 for each day you drive in the zone.

What is the ULEZ and where does it apply?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone is London's charge for older, more polluting vehicles. It covers all London boroughs but does not include the M25. It runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year except Christmas Day.

It applies to cars, motorcycles, vans and other light vehicles. Lorries, buses and coaches come under London's separate Low Emission Zone.

What standard does my car need to meet?

Petrol cars and vans: Euro 4 or better. As a rough guide, that covers most petrol cars from around 2006 onwards.
Diesel cars and vans: Euro 6 or better. That is typically diesels from around 2016 onwards.
Motorcycles: Euro 3 or better.

The years are only a guide. Some cars met a standard early and some late, which is why two cars of the same age can get different answers.

How do I check my registration?

Use TfL's vehicle checker. It is free, it is the official record, and it also tells you about the Congestion Charge. You do not need to pay a third-party website for this.

If you are buying a used car and expect to drive it into London, run the check on the registration before you commit.

Are hybrid and electric cars exempt?

Fully electric cars have no exhaust emissions, so they meet the standard. A hybrid is judged on its engine like any other car: a petrol hybrid needs to be Euro 4 and a diesel hybrid Euro 6. In practice nearly all hybrids on the road pass, but check the registration.

What happens if my car is not compliant?

You can still drive in London. You pay the £12.50 daily charge to TfL, online or through its app. Cameras read number plates, there are no barriers or toll booths, and nobody sends you a reminder. If the charge is not paid in time, TfL issues a penalty charge notice, so pay on the day or set up Auto Pay if you go regularly.

The Congestion Charge in central London is separate. A compliant car can still owe the Congestion Charge.

Does the ULEZ affect drivers in South Yorkshire?

Only when you drive in London. Closer to home, the Sheffield Clean Air Zone works differently and does not charge private cars. Birmingham and Bristol do charge older cars, using the same Euro 4 petrol and Euro 6 diesel standards.

Common questions

Are classic cars exempt?

Vehicles in the historic vehicle tax class, which applies on a rolling basis to vehicles over 40 years old, do not pay the ULEZ charge. TfL lists the other exemptions and discounts on its website.

Is the M25 inside the zone?

No. TfL states that the zone does not include the M25.

Can an older diesel be modified to comply?

For an ordinary car it is rarely practical or worth the cost. If you drive into London often, changing to a car that already meets the standard is usually the simpler route.

Looking for a car that meets the standard?

Browse the cars we have in stock at anycolourcar.com in Barnsley, or look at the electric car hub. If you want to change your current car, you can get a price for it here. The sales team is on 01226 574410.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Updated October 2026.

Is My Car ULEZ Compliant? How to Check Before Driving to London