ULEZ Emission Standards at a Glance
| Vehicle Type | Required Standard | Typically Registered After | Daily Charge if Non-Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol car / van | Euro 4 | 2006 | £12.50 |
| Diesel car / van | Euro 6 | Sept 2015 | £12.50 |
| Electric vehicle (BEV) | Exempt | Any year | £0 |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Euro 6 (diesel) / Euro 4 (petrol) | Varies | £12.50 if non-compliant |
| Motorcycle / moped | Euro 3 | 2007 | £12.50 |
| Heavy vehicle (HGV/bus) | Euro VI | 2014 | £100 |
Standards apply to the London ULEZ. Other UK Clean Air Zones may use different thresholds — check the relevant local authority for details.
Why Check ULEZ Compliance Before Buying?
Since the London ULEZ expanded to cover all 33 London boroughs in August 2023, ULEZ compliance has become a significant factor in used car pricing and usability. A non-compliant vehicle driven into the zone every working day would cost its owner over £3,000 per year in daily charges alone.
When buying a used car, always check ULEZ compliance as part of your due diligence — especially for diesel vehicles registered before September 2015. Many older diesel cars that appear well-maintained and reasonably priced are non-compliant, which significantly reduces their practical value for anyone who drives in London or other CAZ cities.
CarLook AI checks the vehicle's fuel type, engine specification, and year of manufacture against the ULEZ criteria as part of the free VRM check. The result is displayed alongside MOT status, tax status, and the CarLook Score so you have a complete picture before making any decision. For a definitive compliance check, always verify directly with TfL's official ULEZ checker at tfl.gov.uk before making a purchase or driving into the zone.
What CarLook AI Checks
Fuel Type & Engine
Petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric — the fuel type determines which Euro standard applies.
Euro Emission Standard
Derived from the vehicle's year of manufacture and fuel type against DVLA records.
Compliance Status
A clear Compliant / Non-Compliant result with the applicable daily charge if non-compliant.
ULEZ Compliance Check — FAQs
Related Checks
