ULEZ charge
Most cars meet the standards and pay nothing. If yours doesn't, it's £12.50 a day, and with no barriers it's up to you to pay. Here's who pays, how, and what it costs if you forget.
When do I have to pay by?
We don't take payments. That link goes to Transport for London's own page.
The charge
| Vehicle | Standard needed | If it doesn't meet it |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol cars and vans | Euro 4 | £12.50 a day |
| Diesel cars and vans | Euro 6 | £12.50 a day |
| Motorcycles, mopeds, motor tricycles and quadricycles | Euro 3 | £12.50 a day |
TfL goes by the vehicle's declared emissions, not its age, but as a guide petrol cars that meet the standard were generally first registered after 2005, diesel cars after September 2015, and motorcycles after July 2007. Use TfL's vehicle checker to be sure. Lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches over 5 tonnes don't pay ULEZ; the separate Low Emission Zone applies to them. In central London the ULEZ is on top of the Congestion Charge.
When it applies: 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. A charging day runs midnight to midnight, so driving across midnight means two charges.
How to pay Pay by midnight on the third day after you drive in the zone
- Auto Pay through a TfL London Road User Charging account (no registration or renewal fees), billed monthly
- Online through TfL's official payment site
- In the free TfL 'Pay to drive in London' app
- By phone: 0343 222 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
Can you pay in advance? Yes, up to 90 days ahead.
Forgot to pay?
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penalty Charge Notice (cars, vans, motorbikes) | £180 |
| Paid within 14 days | £90 |
You can get a separate PCN for each charging day. Pay online, in the TfL app, or by post (Ultra Low Emission Zone, PO Box 553, Darlington DL1 9TZ). Enforcement enquiries: 0343 222 3333.
Notices go to the registered keeper of the vehicle, so if you borrowed or hired a car, the letter goes to the owner or hire company first.
Who doesn't pay, and discounts
- Vehicles that meet the ULEZ standards: no charge, nothing to register (UK vehicles)
- Vehicles with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class: exempt until 24 October 2027 (grace period)
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles converted for a disabled person: exempt until 25 October 2027, if you apply
A Blue Badge on its own doesn't stop you paying ULEZ: the vehicle has to meet the standards or be registered for one of TfL's grace periods, which also cover some people getting disability benefits. Patients travelling to NHS appointments may be able to get the charge refunded.
Questions
How much is the ULEZ charge?
£12.50 a day, if your vehicle doesn't meet the standards. TfL goes by the vehicle's declared emissions, not its age, but as a guide petrol cars that meet the standard were generally first registered after 2005, diesel cars after September 2015, and motorcycles after July 2007. Use TfL's vehicle checker to be sure. Lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches over 5 tonnes don't pay ULEZ; the separate Low Emission Zone applies to them. In central London the ULEZ is on top of the Congestion Charge.
How do I pay the ULEZ charge?
Auto Pay through a TfL London Road User Charging account (no registration or renewal fees), billed monthly; Online through TfL's official payment site; In the free TfL 'Pay to drive in London' app; By phone: 0343 222 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm). You must pay by midnight on the third day after you drive in the zone.
What is the deadline to pay the ULEZ charge?
By midnight on the third day after you drive in the zone. Yes, up to 90 days ahead.
What happens if I don't pay the ULEZ charge?
Penalty Charge Notice (cars, vans, motorbikes): £180; Paid within 14 days: £90. You can get a separate PCN for each charging day. Pay online, in the TfL app, or by post (Ultra Low Emission Zone, PO Box 553, Darlington DL1 9TZ). Enforcement enquiries: 0343 222 3333.
Who doesn't have to pay the ULEZ charge?
Vehicles that meet the ULEZ standards: no charge, nothing to register (UK vehicles); Vehicles with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class: exempt until 24 October 2027 (grace period); Wheelchair accessible vehicles converted for a disabled person: exempt until 25 October 2027, if you apply.
Is there a discount on the ULEZ charge?
A Blue Badge on its own doesn't stop you paying ULEZ: the vehicle has to meet the standards or be registered for one of TfL's grace periods, which also cover some people getting disability benefits. Patients travelling to NHS appointments may be able to get the charge refunded.
Sources
- TfL: Ultra Low Emission Zone
- TfL: Paying the ULEZ charge
- TfL: ULEZ and cars
- TfL: ULEZ discounts and exemptions
- TfL: Penalty charges for ULEZ
Run by Transport for London. Checked on the operator's own website on 16 October 2026. Charges change, so check the official site before you travel. Spotted a change? Email hello@airportdropoff.co.uk.
Going to the airport?
Drop-off and pick-up charges at airports in the area, from each airport's own website.