ULEZ Check: Is Your Car Compliant? The Complete UK Guide (2026)
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now covers all of Greater London — and similar clean air zones are expanding across Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, and other UK cities. If your car isn't compliant, you face a daily charge every time you drive in these areas.
Here's everything you need to know.
What Is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone is a charging zone where vehicles that don't meet certain emission standards must pay a daily charge to drive. The charge in London is £12.50 per day for non-compliant cars.
The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There are no free days or exemptions for occasional use.
Is Your Car ULEZ Compliant?
Compliance depends on the type of fuel and the emission standard your car meets:
| Fuel type | Minimum standard |
|---|---|
| Petrol | Euro 4 (generally 2006 onwards) |
| Diesel | Euro 6 (generally 2015 onwards) |
| Electric | Always compliant |
| Hybrid | Depends on the petrol/diesel engine |
These are general guidelines. The actual compliance of your specific car depends on its individual emission certification.
→ Check your car's ULEZ compliance free — enter the reg plate
ULEZ Zones Across the UK
London
The ULEZ covers all 33 London boroughs and the City of London. It operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50/day.
Birmingham
The Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Birmingham charges non-compliant cars £8/day in the city centre.
Bath
Bath's CAZ charges non-compliant cars £9/day.
Bristol, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Sheffield
These cities have CAZs or are implementing them. Check the specific rules for each city.
What If Your Car Isn't Compliant?
You have several options:
- Pay the daily charge — if you rarely drive in the zone, this may be the cheapest option
- Retrofit your vehicle — some older vehicles can be retrofitted with cleaner engines or exhaust systems
- Replace your vehicle — if you drive in the zone regularly, replacing with a compliant car may be cheaper than paying daily charges
- Use public transport — for journeys into the zone
Buying a Used Car? Check ULEZ Compliance First
If you're buying a used car and you live in or near a ULEZ zone, always check compliance before you buy. A non-compliant car in London costs £4,562.50 per year in ULEZ charges alone.
CarLook AI's free VRM check includes ULEZ compliance status.
→ Check any car's ULEZ compliance free
Browse ULEZ-Compliant Cars on CarLook AI
We list used cars from verified sellers across the UK. Filter by ULEZ compliance to find cars that won't cost you daily charges.
→ Browse ULEZ-compliant used cars
ULEZ compliance information is based on DVLA data. Always verify compliance with TfL or the relevant local authority before purchasing a vehicle.
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