Contents
In short
- London's ULEZ charges cars that don't meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel).
- As a rule of thumb: petrol from 2006 and diesel from late 2015 usually comply, but check the exact car.
- Some cities' Clean Air Zones also charge older private cars.
- Check compliance online with the registration before you buy.
- A non-compliant car is cheaper to buy but can cost you every day you drive in the zone.
Which cars comply
Compliance depends on the car's Euro emissions standard, not just its age.
- Petrol: Euro 4 or later. Most petrol cars registered from 2006 comply, and many from 2001.
- Diesel: Euro 6 or later. Most diesel cars registered from September 2015 comply; older diesels usually don't.
- Electric cars comply. Hybrids follow the standard of their petrol or diesel engine.
How to check a car
- Use the official vehicle checkers: Transport for London's checker for ULEZ, and the GOV.UK Clean Air Zone checker for other cities.
- Enter the registration from the listing or photos.
- Ask the seller for the V5C, which shows the emissions details for many cars.
Clean Air Zones outside London
Several English and Scottish cities have clean air or low emission zones. Some only charge buses, taxis and vans; others, such as Birmingham and Bristol, also charge older private cars. Rules change, so check the zone where you live and work.
Use it when buying
A non-compliant car can be a good deal if you never drive in a zone. If you do, the daily charge quickly cancels out the lower price. And non-compliant cars are getting harder to sell, which affects resale value.
Use non-compliance to negotiate, or rule the car out if you live in or commute into a zone.
Written by
The Carvizia team
Every day we analyse used car listings: engines, known faults, maintenance and market value. Our guides bring together what to check before you buy, without jargon.
About usFrequently asked questions
Is my 2015 diesel ULEZ compliant?
Only if it meets Euro 6. Many diesels registered before September 2015 don't; check the exact registration on the TfL checker.
Do hybrids pay the ULEZ charge?
It depends on the engine's Euro standard: a hybrid with a Euro 4 petrol engine complies.
Does the Carvizia report say if a car is compliant?
The report gives the car's emissions standard. Always confirm compliance with the official checker for the zone you use.