ULEZ: Ultra Low Emission Zone 2026
Covers all London boroughs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Live charge status, vehicle standards, exemptions and how to pay.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a daily charge for driving a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards within Greater London. It was introduced to improve London's air quality and covers all London boroughs — roughly 630 square miles. The M25 is not included.
ANPR cameras throughout London automatically read number plates and check them against a database of vehicle emission standards. Compliant vehicles and exempt vehicles pay nothing. Non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day.
The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year — with a single exception: Christmas Day (25 December only) is free. All other days including bank holidays, New Year's Day, and all weekends are charged. This is different from the Congestion Charge which has a longer Christmas free period and does not charge 24 hours a day.
| Vehicle Type | Daily Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles, mopeds, vans & specialist vehicles (up to 3.5t), minibuses (up to 5t) | £12.50 | Standard ULEZ charge |
| Lorries, vans & specialist heavy vehicles (over 3.5t) | Not ULEZ | Must meet LEZ standards instead. Pay LEZ charge if non-compliant. |
| Buses, minibuses & coaches (over 5t) | Not ULEZ | Must meet LEZ standards instead. Pay LEZ charge if non-compliant. |
| Non-UK registered vehicles | £12.50 | Must register with TfL even if compliant |
| ULEZ-exempt vehicles | Free | See exemptions below |
| Vehicle Type | Fuel | Minimum Standard | Registered from approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars & small vans | Petrol | Euro 4 | 2006 (most) |
| Cars & small vans | Diesel | Euro 6 | 2015 (most) |
| Motorcycles & mopeds | Petrol | Euro 3 | 2007 |
| Heavier vans & minibuses (up to 3.5t/5t) | Petrol | Euro 4 | 2006 |
| Heavier vans & minibuses (up to 3.5t/5t) | Diesel | Euro 6 | 2015 |
| All pure electric vehicles | Electric | Always compliant | Any year |
The year guides above are approximate. Always use the TfL vehicle checker with your registration number to confirm your specific vehicle's compliance status.
| Category | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ULEZ-compliant vehicles (meets Euro standards) | Free | No charge — must register if non-UK vehicle |
| Pure electric vehicles | Free | Always ULEZ compliant |
| Historic vehicles (40+ years old) | Exempt | Vehicles over 40 years old are exempt |
| Disabled tax class vehicles | Exempt | Vehicles registered under disability tax class |
| Military vehicles | Exempt | Certain Crown/military vehicles |
| NHS patients (certain journeys) | Refund available | NHS patient reimbursement scheme — contact your NHS trust |
| Non-compliant vehicles (no exemption) | £12.50/day | Charge applies whenever you drive within Greater London |
Some temporary discounts and exemptions may apply to specific groups. Check the TfL discounts and exemptions page for current eligibility.
If your vehicle is non-compliant and not exempt, you must pay £12.50 for each day you drive within Greater London. You can pay up to 90 days in advance or up to midnight on the third day after travel.
| Scenario | Amount |
|---|---|
| ULEZ charge (compliant — no charge) | £0 |
| ULEZ daily charge (non-compliant) | £12.50 |
| Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) — non-payment | £160 |
| PCN paid within 14 days (50% discount) | £80 |
| ULEZ | Congestion Charge | |
|---|---|---|
| Area covered | All London boroughs | Small central zone (~1.3 sq miles) |
| Hours | 24 hours, every day | Mon–Fri 07:00–18:00 / Sat–Sun & BH 12:00–18:00 |
| Who pays | Non-compliant vehicles only | Everyone in the zone during hours |
| Charge | £12.50/day | £18.00/day (£13.50 for EVs on AutoPay) |
| Christmas free period | Christmas Day only (25 Dec) | 25 Dec – 1 Jan inclusive |
| Are they separate charges? | Yes — you can owe both if driving a non-compliant vehicle in central London during CCZ hours | |
JamCams.co.uk is not affiliated with TfL. Information is provided for general guidance based on official TfL documents. Always verify at tfl.gov.uk before travelling.