ULEZ check
Find out if a car is likely to meet London's ULEZ standards before you buy it or drive into the zone. Free, based on its fuel type and Euro emissions standard.
What this check shows
- Likely ULEZ compliance
- Euro emissions standard
- Fuel type
- CO2 emissions
- First registration date
Included in the free check
A ULEZ check tells you whether a car is likely to meet the emissions standards for London's Ultra Low Emission Zone. Our free check reads the car's fuel type and Euro emissions standard from the DVLA record and gives you a likely answer in seconds.
It's a quick guide, not the final word. Transport for London's own checker decides whether a charge applies, so if the answer matters, confirm it there before you drive into the zone or buy the car.
What the ULEZ check shows
- Likely ULEZ compliance, based on the car's details.
- Euro emissions standard, where the DVLA records it.
- Fuel type and CO2 emissions.
- First registration date, which is a useful guide when the Euro standard isn't recorded.
ULEZ standards in plain English
For cars, the rule comes down to the Euro emissions standard:
- Petrol cars need to meet Euro 4. Most petrol cars registered from 2006 do, and many from 2001 onwards do too.
- Diesel cars need to meet Euro 6. That generally means cars registered from September 2015, although some earlier models met it.
- Electric cars don't produce exhaust emissions, so they meet the standard.
Registration dates are a rule of thumb. Two cars of the same age can be on different Euro standards, which is why it's worth checking the specific car.
Where ULEZ applies
London's ULEZ covers every London borough, 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. If your car doesn't meet the standard, you pay a daily charge each day you drive in the zone. Outside London, several cities run Clean Air Zones, and Scottish cities run Low Emission Zones. Some only charge buses, taxis and vans; others include private cars. Check the local council's rules before you travel.
Why check ULEZ before you buy
If you live in or drive into London, a car that doesn't meet ULEZ can cost you more in charges than it's worth. Older diesels are the ones to watch: a 2014 diesel can look like a bargain until you add up the daily charge. It also affects resale value, because buyers in and around London will pay less for a car they can't use without paying.
More than ULEZ
The same free check shows the car's tax status, MOT history and mileage readings, so you can rule out problems in one go.
Vehicle data from the DVLA, DVSA and Experian, including UK finance, insurance and police records. Where our data comes from.
ULEZ check questions
How do I know if my car is ULEZ compliant?
In general, petrol cars need to meet Euro 4 and diesel cars Euro 6. Our free check shows the car's fuel type and Euro standard where the DVLA records it, and gives you a likely answer. Transport for London's own checker is the final word.
Which petrol cars are ULEZ compliant?
Most petrol cars registered from 2006 meet Euro 4, and many from 2001 onwards do too. The registration date is a guide, not a guarantee.
Which diesel cars are ULEZ compliant?
Diesel cars need to meet Euro 6, which generally means cars registered from September 2015. Some earlier models met it too.
Where does ULEZ apply?
Across all London boroughs, 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. Other cities run their own Clean Air Zones or Low Emission Zones with different rules.
Is the ULEZ result guaranteed?
No. It's an estimate from the DVLA data. Always confirm with Transport for London before relying on it.
Related checks
Check a car now
Start with a free reg check. Only pay if you need the full history.