ULEZ Charge Calculator — London Daily & Annual Cost

Find out if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant and calculate exactly how much the daily charge will cost you over a week, month or year.

Calculate Your ULEZ Cost

What is the ULEZ?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is an area in Greater London where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards to drive without paying a daily charge. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year including bank holidays.

The ULEZ was expanded in August 2023 to cover most of Greater London within the North and South Circular Roads. It is one of the world's largest clean air zones.

ULEZ Daily Charges

Vehicle Type Daily Charge (non-compliant) PCN Penalty
Car / van (up to 3.5t)£12.50£160 (£80 if paid within 14 days)
Motorcycle / moped£12.50£160 (£80 if paid within 14 days)
Heavy vehicle (lorry/bus)£100.00£1,000 (£500 if paid within 14 days)

Emission Standards Required for Compliance

Vehicle / Fuel Minimum Standard Typical Registration Year
Petrol car/vanEuro 42006 or newer
Diesel car/vanEuro 62015 or newer
Motorcycle/mopedEuro 32007 or newer
Electric vehicleAlways compliantAny year
Heavy dieselEuro VI2014 or newer

Annual Cost Example

A non-compliant diesel car driven in the ULEZ 5 days a week for 48 weeks costs £3,000 per year in charges alone (£12.50 × 5 × 48). Over 5 years that is £15,000 — enough to significantly contribute to the cost of a newer, compliant replacement vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is an area in London where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards to drive without paying a daily charge. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The zone covers most of London within the North and South Circular Roads.
Which vehicles are exempt from the ULEZ charge?
Exempt vehicles include: electric vehicles, petrol cars meeting Euro 4 (generally 2006+), diesel cars meeting Euro 6 (generally 2015+), motorcycles meeting Euro 3 (generally 2007+), and historic vehicles registered before 1 January 1979.
What is the penalty for not paying the ULEZ charge?
If you drive a non-compliant vehicle in the ULEZ without paying, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The penalty is £160 for cars and motorcycles (£80 if paid within 14 days). For heavier vehicles, the penalty is £1,000 (£500 if paid within 14 days).
How do ULEZ cameras work?
ANPR cameras are stationed throughout the ULEZ zone. They read your number plate and check it against the DVLA database to determine whether your vehicle is compliant. You do not stop at a barrier — the check happens automatically as you drive.
Are there any grace periods for the ULEZ?
There are no automatic daily grace periods for the ULEZ. Exemptions have applied for certain disabled vehicle tax classes but can change. Always check the TfL website for the latest exemption details.
How much can I save by switching to an electric vehicle?
If you currently pay the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge and drive in the zone 5 days a week for 48 weeks, your annual ULEZ cost is £3,000. Switching to an electric vehicle eliminates this entirely, as EVs are always ULEZ compliant.
Is there a scrappage scheme for non-compliant vehicles?
TfL has operated scrappage schemes for low-income Londoners, disabled people, and certain small businesses to help replace non-compliant vehicles. Check the TfL website for the current availability of any scrappage or upgrade grants.
What are the ULEZ rules for motorcycles?
Motorcycles and mopeds must meet the Euro 3 standard to be ULEZ compliant, which generally means they were registered from July 2007. The daily charge for non-compliant motorcycles is £12.50, the same as for cars.
Does the ULEZ charge apply out of hours?
Yes. Unlike the Congestion Charge, the ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is no overnight or weekend exemption.
I only visit London occasionally — do I still need to pay?
Yes. If your vehicle is non-compliant and you drive it within the ULEZ zone, you pay £12.50 per day regardless of how infrequently you visit. There is no visitor exemption.
Is ULEZ the same as the Congestion Charge?
No. The Congestion Charge (£15/day) operates only on weekdays and certain hours in the Central London zone. The ULEZ (£12.50/day) covers a larger area and operates 24/7. If you drive a non-compliant vehicle in Central London during Congestion Charge hours, you may owe both charges.
How do I check if my vehicle is ULEZ compliant?
You can check your vehicle using the TfL vehicle checker tool at tfl.gov.uk using your number plate. The tool checks your vehicle against the DVLA database and tells you immediately whether you need to pay the daily charge.