The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now covers the entire Greater London area 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays. Understanding which cars are ULEZ exempt and which incur the 12.50 GBP daily charge is essential for any driver who regularly travels into or through London.
Which Vehicles Are ULEZ Exempt
Pure electric vehicles are always ULEZ exempt regardless of their age, as they produce zero tailpipe emissions. This makes them the most cost-effective choice for regular London drivers, saving 12.50 GBP per day on every journey into Greater London.
Petrol cars registered from September 2015 onwards meet the Euro 4 emissions standard and are ULEZ exempt. This covers the majority of petrol cars manufactured from the 2015 model year onwards. Diesel cars registered from April 2018 onwards meet the Euro 6 standard for NOx emissions and are ULEZ compliant.
Motorcycles registered from July 2007 onwards (meeting Euro 3 standards) are ULEZ exempt. Vans must meet Euro 6 for light commercial vehicles or pay 12.50 GBP per day. Larger vehicles including minibuses and coaches pay significantly higher daily charges of up to 300 GBP. Related: UK Road Tax Exempt Cars 2026 | GST on Cars India 2026 | GST on Cars India 2026 | UK Best Used Cars 2026.
How to Check Your Vehicle's ULEZ Status
Transport for London's official vehicle checker at tfl.gov.uk/ulez allows any driver to enter their vehicle registration number and immediately confirm whether the vehicle is ULEZ compliant or non-compliant. This is the most reliable method as it uses DVLA records directly. You can also check the first registration date on your V5C logbook: petrol cars registered before September 2015 and diesel cars registered before April 2018 are likely non-compliant.
Non-Compliant Vehicles and Daily Charges
Pre-2015 petrol cars and pre-2018 diesel cars that do not meet the relevant Euro standards pay the 12.50 GBP daily ULEZ charge when driving within Greater London. This applies every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. A driver commuting into London five days per week would pay approximately 3,250 GBP per year in ULEZ charges alone.
Other UK Clean Air Zones apply similar rules. Birmingham's Clean Air Zone (Class C) charges 8 GBP per day for non-compliant cars (pre-Euro 4 petrol, pre-Euro 6 diesel). Bath's Clean Air Zone charges 9 GBP per day for non-compliant vehicles. Manchester's Clean Air Zone charges 8 to 150 GBP per day depending on vehicle type.
Buying a ULEZ-Compliant Car
When buying a used car in 2026, prioritising ULEZ compliance eliminates future charge exposure. Pure electric vehicles are always compliant and are the most future-proof choice as emissions standards are expected to tighten. A post-April 2018 diesel or post-September 2015 petrol is currently compliant but may face tightening standards in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my car is ULEZ compliant? Use TfL's online checker at tfl.gov.uk/ulez and enter your vehicle registration. Alternatively, check your V5C for the first registration date: petrol from September 2015 or diesel from April 2018 are compliant.
Are hybrid cars ULEZ exempt? Not automatically. Hybrids must still meet the Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) standards to be ULEZ compliant. Many older hybrids are non-compliant despite their lower official emissions during testing.
Official Resources: GOV.UK Check Vehicle Tax | GOV.UK Vehicle Tax | DVLA Online | MOT Check
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is car tax (VED) in the UK 2026?
Car tax rates in the UK depend on your vehicle's CO2 emissions and list price. Standard rates start from £190 per year for petrol and diesel cars, with zero-rated VED for EVs. First-year rates vary from £0 to £2,605 depending on emissions. Additional premiums apply for vehicles over £40,000.
Q: How do I check if my car is taxed online?
You can check your vehicle's tax status for free on the Gov.uk website at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. You'll need your vehicle's registration number (number plate). You can also check via the Motor Insurance Database to verify road tax and insurance status simultaneously.
Q: Can I get a refund on car tax if I sell my vehicle?
Yes — if you sell or scrap your vehicle, you can claim a refund on any full months of remaining road tax. Contact DVLA with the V11 reminder letter or apply online at gov.uk. Refunds are usually processed within 4-6 weeks.
Q: Is road tax refund available when transferring ownership?
No — road tax does not transfer with the vehicle. When you sell your car, the tax is automatically cancelled and any remaining months are refunded to you by DVLA. The new owner must tax the vehicle immediately. As a buyer, always verify the vehicle's tax status before purchasing.
Q: What is the luxury car tax threshold in the UK 2026?
The additional rate for vehicles over £40,000 (list price) adds £410 per year to standard VED rates for years 2-6 of registration. This surcharge brings the annual cost for high-emission vehicles over £40,000 to around £600-690 per year. Pure EVs under £40,000 pay zero VED.