How to Check Your ULEZ Status

Why your ULEZ status matters now

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone expanded city-wide in August 2023, reaching all London boroughs and many areas brushing the M25. It runs 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. If your vehicle is not compliant, each day you drive within the zone could cost £12.50, and missed payments can escalate to penalties. For millions of drivers, clarity on compliance is no longer optional - it is essential.

The fastest route to certainty is a number-plate check. Free online tools from Motorway, carwow and Transport for London use DVLA data and official emissions criteria to confirm if your car meets the standard. For petrol, most vehicles registered from 2006 meet Euro 4. For diesel, Euro 6 typically starts from late 2015 registrations. Electric vehicles are exempt, and motorcycles must meet Euro 3 or better. A quick check tells you instantly if you will face a charge, so you can plan trips, set up Auto Pay if needed, or choose a different route.

Enforcement is automatic. More than 3,400 ANPR cameras scan number plates as you enter and move around the zone. There are no barriers - only signs and cameras - so many drivers discover non-compliance after the event. Understanding your status before you travel avoids surprise fees and helps you make informed choices about when and how to drive in London.

Know before you go. A 30-second reg check can save you £12.50 today and a penalty tomorrow.

Is this guide for you?

If you drive into, through, or near London - even occasionally - this guide will help you check your status quickly, understand any costs, and avoid penalties. It is especially useful for outer-borough residents near the boundary, commuters, tradespeople, parents on school runs, and visitors from the rest of the UK. Owners of older diesels and pre-2006 petrol cars will benefit from a more careful check. EV owners can verify their exemption, and motorcycle riders can confirm Euro 3 compliance. Whether you drive daily or once a month, a clear answer removes risk and simplifies your planning.

Your fastest routes to certainty

1. Use the TfL vehicle checker by registration or VIN for official results.

2. Try free third-party tools like Motorway and carwow for instant checks.

3. Check zone boundaries by postcode on TfL’s map before you travel.

4. Set up Auto Pay if you expect frequent ULEZ driving.

5. Confirm if your vehicle trends compliant: petrol post-2005, diesel post-2015.

Next step: Run your reg through TfL, then add Auto Pay if non-compliant.

Costs, impact and risks at a glance

Who is likely to be compliant?

The ULEZ standard is emissions based. As a rule of thumb, most petrol cars registered from 1 January 2006 meet Euro 4, and most diesel cars registered from 1 September 2015 meet Euro 6. Many hybrids qualify if they meet the same standards, and all fully electric vehicles are exempt from the ULEZ charge. Motorcycles generally need to meet Euro 3. These are guidelines, not guarantees, which is why a registration check is vital. The TfL checker confirms ULEZ status, Congestion Charge relevance, and certain tunnel restrictions. It also supports many non-UK registrations, although some vehicles must be registered with TfL before travel for discounts or exemptions to apply.

ULEZ is enforced by ANPR cameras with no stops or barriers, so your number plate alone determines whether a charge or penalty is triggered. If you plan to drive regularly, setting up Auto Pay reduces admin and protects you from missed deadlines. If you are budgeting for a vehicle upgrade, Kandoo can help you compare finance options, but you should always verify compliance before committing to a purchase.

Simple steps to check and manage your status

1. Go to TfL’s vehicle checker and enter your registration.

2. Review ULEZ result and any related charges or exemptions.

3. Use TfL’s map tool to confirm the boundary by postcode.

4. If non-compliant, set up Auto Pay for monthly billing.

5. Plan routes to avoid the zone if costs outweigh benefits.

6. For motorcycles, verify Euro 3 emissions or seek proof.

7. Keep evidence of compliance for appeals if needed.

8. Schedule renewal reminders for any temporary exemptions.

Quick win: Save the TfL checker as a phone bookmark for rapid look-ups.

Pros, cons and key considerations

What to watch before you drive

Boundaries can be deceptive. Some postcodes straddle the line, so always confirm your exact destination on TfL’s map and watch for green ULEZ signs. If you are close to compliant but uncertain, ask your manufacturer for the vehicle’s Euro standard or confirm via the V5C emissions data. Payment timing matters - the window closes at midnight on the third day after travel, so set a reminder or use Auto Pay if you drive often. If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice, act quickly. Paying early halves the penalty, and valid appeals can be raised online. Finally, if you operate a heavy vehicle, check London’s separate LEZ rules so you are not caught by a different tariff.

Alternatives if you are not compliant

1. Drive outside the ULEZ boundary or change route timing.

2. Use public transport or park-and-ride near the edge.

3. Upgrade to a compliant petrol, diesel Euro 6, or EV.

4. Short-term hire of a compliant vehicle for city days.

5. Car share or split trips to reduce frequency and cost.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my car is ULEZ compliant?

Use the TfL vehicle checker with your registration. It matches DVLA data to emissions standards and shows whether you will be charged to drive in the zone.

What are the typical cut-off years for compliance?

Most petrol cars from 2006 meet Euro 4. Most diesel cars from late 2015 meet Euro 6. These are guides - always confirm via a registration check.

What is the daily charge and when do I pay?

Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50 per day. You must pay by midnight of the third day after travel. Regular drivers can use Auto Pay for monthly billing.

What happens if I forget to pay?

You may receive a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £180, reduced to £90 if paid promptly. Appeals can be made online with supporting evidence.

Are electric cars exempt?

Yes. All fully electric cars are exempt from the ULEZ charge. Many modern hybrids are compliant if they meet the required Euro standard.

How is ULEZ enforced?

Over 3,400 ANPR cameras scan number plates across the zone. There are no physical barriers. Signs mark entry points and remind drivers of the rules.

How do I check if my destination is inside ULEZ?

Use TfL’s map tool. Enter a postcode or landmark. Some postcodes cross the boundary, so verify the exact street and follow the roadside signs.

How Kandoo helps you plan with confidence

If you decide an upgrade is the right move, Kandoo helps you compare personal loans from a panel of UK lenders, so you can spread the cost of a compliant vehicle responsibly. We keep the process straightforward, with clear rates and no obligation to proceed. Check your ULEZ status first, then explore finance options with confidence.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. ULEZ rules and charges can change. Always confirm your vehicle status and any payments directly with Transport for London before you travel. If in doubt, seek professional guidance.