London ULEZ and Congestion Charging — Will Your Car Be Affected?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone and congestion charge are costing London drivers £25+/day. Here is exactly which cars are affected and whether your next purchase will incur these charges.
What Is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is London's air-quality scheme. Cars that don't meet emission standards pay a daily charge to enter the zone.
Current charge:£12.50/day (as of 2026). The zone operates Monday–Friday, midnight–midnight. You don't pay at weekends or on Christmas Day.
Zone boundaries: Initially within the North and South Circular Road (4-mile radius from central London). In December 2025, ULEZ expanded to cover the entire London congestion zone (greater coverage).
Congestion Charge vs ULEZ
Congestion Charge: £15/day (as of 2026). Applies to ALL vehicles driving in central London (weekdays, 7am–6pm). Charged regardless of emissions. Covers a smaller central zone.
ULEZ: £12.50/day. Applies only to non-compliant vehicles. Covers a much larger area (entire congestion zone + surrounding areas). 24-hour operation (including nights and weekends).
If you drive a non-compliant car through central London during peak hours, you pay BOTH charges (£27.50 total). If your car is ULEZ-compliant, you pay only congestion charge (£15).
Which Cars Are Affected?
Exempt (No Charge)
- Euro 6 diesel cars (2015+)
- Euro 4 petrol cars (2005+)
- Hybrids and electric cars (most models)
- Motorcycles and scooters
- Taxis (black cabs) and licensed private hire vehicles
- Buses and coaches
Affected (Pay Charge)
- Petrol cars pre-2005 (Euro 3 and older)
- Diesel cars pre-2015 (Euro 5 and older)
- Many pre-2010 cars regardless of fuel type
How to Check Your Car
Use the TfL vehicle checker (tfl.gov.uk/emissions). Enter your registration number and it will tell you if your car is ULEZ-compliant.
Rule of thumb: If your car was registered after 2015 (diesel) or 2005 (petrol), it is almost certainly compliant. Older cars are not.
Annual Cost Examples
Non-compliant car (ULEZ + Congestion Charge):
- 5 days/week (weekdays only): £27.50 × 5 × 52 = £7,150/year
- 2 days/week (occasional): £27.50 × 2 × 52 = £2,860/year
Compliant car (Congestion Charge only):
- 5 days/week: £15 × 5 × 52 = £3,900/year
- 2 days/week: £15 × 2 × 52 = £1,560/year
What This Means for Used Car Buyers
If you live in London or the wider south-east and drive into the ULEZ regularly, older cars are effectively unusable. A £2,000 petrol car that is 15 years old will cost you £7,150/year to drive — not viable.
Buy a car post-2005 (petrol) or post-2015 (diesel) to avoid the charge. Hybrid and electric cars are exempt entirely.
Exemptions and Discounts
- Disabled blue badge holders: 100% exemption
- Residents within ULEZ: 100% exemption (one vehicle per household)
- Established residents (pre-April 2019): 100% exemption
- Buses, taxis, and licensed private hire: Exempt
- Heavy goods vehicles and vans: Separate charge (£100/day)
The Bottom Line
If you are buying a used car and you drive in London regularly, ULEZ and congestion charges are a major running cost. Buying a compliant car (post-2005 petrol, post-2015 diesel, or hybrid/EV) saves you thousands annually. An older car is essentially stranded in London unless you qualify for an exemption.
Before buying any used car for use in London, verify its full history. A VEHIXA report confirms the exact engine specification and Euro emission standard — helping you confirm ULEZ compliance before purchase. Run a check now.