Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Who pays

Cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles up to and including 3.5 tonnes, and minibuses up to and including 5 tonnes, that do not meet the ULEZ standards and are not exempt. Standards: Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motor tricycles and quadricycles; Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol vehicles; Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel vehicles. Heavier vehicles pay the LEZ instead. Applies to residents too, and to non-UK vehicles (which must register with TfL). No charge on days a vehicle is parked and not driven.

When it applies

24 hours a day, every day of the year except Christmas Day (25 December). Each charging day runs midnight to midnight, so a trip across midnight needs two daily charges.

How much

Discounts and exemptions

• Vehicles that meet the emissions standards do not pay
• Grace period until 24 October 2027 for vehicles in the 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class (also available on application for disabled people over state pension age receiving Attendance Allowance)
• Grace period until 25 October 2027 for one wheelchair-accessible car or van with a qualifying adaptation (apply)
• Grace period until 25 October 2027 for one vehicle of people on certain disability benefits or meeting set medical criteria (apply)
• Community transport minibuses of not-for-profit organisations: 100% discount until 24 October 2027 (apply)
• Wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles on a booking: exempt until 24 October 2027
• London-licensed taxis are exempt
• Historic vehicles: built before 1 January 1973, or over 40 years old in the historic tax class
• Specialist agricultural, military and non-road-going vehicles and certain mobile cranes are exempt
• Showman's vehicles: 100% discount (register)
• Blue Badge holders are NOT automatically exempt; Congestion Charge discounts do not apply to the ULEZ
• NHS patients too ill to use public transport may be able to claim back charges via their hospital

How to pay

Auto Pay (free; bills you monthly for any ULEZ, LEZ, Congestion Charge and tunnel charges owed), online at TfL 'Pay to drive in London', the free official TfL Pay to drive in London app, or phone 0343 222 2222 (international +44 343 222 2222; textphone 020 7649 9123), Monday to Friday 08:00-20:00, closed weekends and bank holidays. You can pay for up to 3 previous days or up to 90 days in advance. Use only TfL's official service.

Payment deadline

By midnight on the third day after the journey.

If you don't pay

PCN £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days; rises to £270 (charge certificate) if not paid or challenged within 28 days. A separate PCN can be issued for each charging day.

Good to know

Disability-related and community minibus grace periods end on 24/25 October 2027, after which those vehicles must meet the standards or pay.