The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is an area in London where you must pay a charge to drive. The charge only applies if you drive an older polluting car, van, motorbike or moped.
How can I check if my car is ULEZ compliant?
You need to pay the charge if you have either:
- a petrol car that does not meet Euro 4 standards (usually* registered after 2005)
- a diesel car that does not meet Euro 6 standards (usually* registered after September 2015)
*Do check if you have a older car as it may be compliant.
The charge applies to UK and Non-UK registered cars.
Check if you need to pay the ULEZ charge
UK registered cars
TfL use the DVLA database to check if your vehicle is compliant. If your vehicle is not compliant and you don’t pay, you will receive a fine (PCN).
If your car is compliant you do not have to do anything. You are free to drive in the ULEZ. However, if you drive further into central London you may need to pay the Congestion Charge.
If your car is non-compliant, you do not need to register with TfL. You just need to ensure you pay the charge if you enter the ULEZ.
Cars registered outside the UK
TfL advise that all drivers of a non-UK registered cars register their car with EPC PLC before entering the ULEZ, even if your car is ULEZ compliant.
Registration can take up to 10 days.
TfL’s partner (EPC PLC) have access to databases in Germany, France and the Netherlands. They do chase fines for non-payment.
If you do not want to register. Or, if you drive a car that does not meet the ULEZ standards, park outside the ULEZ and use public transport.
How much is the ULEZ charge?
£12.50 per day. You can drive in and out of the ULEZ zone multiple times per day but you only pay once.
What hours does the ULEZ charge apply?
The ULEZ charge is payable every day from midnight to midnight, except 25 December.
How to pay the ULEZ charge?
You have until midnight, three days after your visit to London to pay the ULEZ Charge.
Pay online
Pay online via the official TfL website. Only use the official TfL website to pay to ensure you pay the correct amount:
This is the official payment website: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/pay-to-drive-in-london
Pay via the TfL Pay to Drive in London app
TfL has a Pay to Drive in London app to pay the charge. It’s available from the Apple app store or Google Play. The app is free to download.
Pay by phone
Call TfL Pay to Drive in London service on 0343 222 2222 from within the UK, or +44 343 222 2222 from outside the UK. They’re open 8am–8pm Monday–Friday (not bank holidays).
You will need:
- the vehicle registration number
- country of registration
- your credit/debit card details.
What is the fine for non-payment?
If you don’t pay in time, you will receive a fine (Penalty Charge Notice) of £180. This is goes down to £90 if you pay within 14 days.
Where is the ULEZ zone?
The ULEZ is a bigger area than the congestion charge zone in central London. You may need to pay it even if you park in the suburbs and then use public transport to travel into central London (zone 1).
The area covers central London and all streets out to the North Circular Rd (A406) and South Circular Rd (A205). There is no charge for driving on the North & South Circular Roads.
On 29 August 2023, the area is expanding to include the whole of London.
Is Heathrow airport in the ULEZ?
No, not currently, but it will be in the ULEZ when this expands on 29 August 2023.
Do I need to pay the charge if I park my car in the ULEZ?
No, the charge only applies if you actually drive your car in the ULEZ. You will need to pay to drive to and from your parking spot, but not when your car is parked.