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Which vehicles are exempt from ULEZ?

What is ULEZ?

The ULEZ scheme is designed to improve London’s air quality, which means only vehicles that meet the latest emissions standards will avoid the fine. 

Some drivers and vehicles may qualify for a temporary discount or be exempt from the ULEZ charge.

ULEZ exempt cars

The Euro 6 standard was introduced in September 2015 for cars and September 2016 for vans.  Use the table below to check the emissions standard for your business vehicle.

A car sold before 1st September 2016 may still have a Euro 5 engine. Check with the manufacturer to be certain. 

Petrol cars

  • To avoid the ULEZ charge, petrol cars must meet Euro 4 emissions standards at the least
  • Most petrol cars produced on or after January 2006 will be Euro 4 compliant

 

Diesel cars

  • Only Euro 6-compliant diesel cars are exempt from ULEZ charges
  • Almost every diesel car produced since September 2015 meets the standard

Hybrid and electric cars

  • All electric cars are exempt from ULEZ charges
  • Hybrid cars with a petrol engine must comply with Euro 4 regulations
  • Diesel hybrids are only ULEZ-exempt if they meet Euro 6 standards

Registration dates are purely indicative of Euro standards, as emissions may vary based on vehicle make, model, and engine options. Please check your vehicle's emissions with the manufacturer if unsure.

ULEZ exempt vans and LCVs (Light Commercial Vehicles)

Most vans are diesel-powered, and so must meet the latest Euro 6 standards. Operating a non-compliant van within the ULEZ could increase your annual operating cost.

Is my business van or LCV exempt from ULEZ?

ULEZ diesel vans

  • Diesel-powered vans will only avoid ULEZ charges if they are Euro 6-compliant
  • This should include all new diesel vans sold from September 2016

ULEZ petrol vans and LCVs

  • Petrol vans need to meet Euro 4 standards
  • This should include all petrol vans registered with the DVLA from January 2006

Calculate your costs (vans and LCVs)

Euro standards for lorries, coaches and buses

Heavy vehicles including lorries, buses, coaches and specialist vehicles will need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards to avoid paying the ULEZ charge. This includes heavy-duty diesel engines produced since December 2012.

ULEZ exempt vehicles

Other Vehicles

Designated wheelchair-accessible PHVs will be granted a grace period. Minibuses operated under a section 19 or section 22 permit by not-for-profit organisations will be eligible for a grace period.

Motorbikes, mopeds and quads must meet Euro 3 standards to be ULEZ-exempt.

Vehicles that have a historic vehicle tax class will be exempt from the ULEZ 

  • Agricultural vehicles
  • Military vehicles
  • Certain types of mobile cranes
  • Discount for showman's vehicles

Not ULEZ compliant? See how Lombard could help

Hire Purchase

Spread the cost of your vehicle purchase over a longer period with fixed regular payments
  • Find your own car, at the best price you can
  • No annual mileage restrictions when you opt for equal monthly payments
  • Flexible terms available to meet your monthly budget
  • Agreement length tailored to your needs
  • Zero arrangement fee when you apply online

Security may be required.  Product fees may apply. Finance is only available for business purposes.

Contract Hire

Flexible vehicle leasing for all businesses
  • Flexibility of term and annual mileage
  • Avoid depreciation as you don’t own the vehicle
  • Less admin
  • Improved cash flow and budgeting
  • Upgrade as required
  • Optional maintenance

Security, in the form of guarantees or indemnities, may be required.  Product fees may apply.  Finance subject to status and is only available for business purposes.

Unsure if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant?

Check if your vehicle is ULEZ exempt with the government's vehicle checker.