ULEZ stands for the Ultra-Low Emission Zone. It is a designated area covering all 33 London boroughs and imposes strict exhaust emission standards and fines to tackle pollution. With at least 285,000 vehicles travelling in and out of London daily, ULEZ is critical to maintaining air quality. But what is the boundary of the ULEZ? What actually makes a car ULEZ-compliant? And do the charges apply to you?
Where is the Ultra-Low Emission Zone in London?
London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone applies to all 33 of the London boroughs, which make up Greater London. The only area within the zone where ULEZ charges do not apply is the M25 motorway, which wraps around and slightly intersects it. Why? The motorway acts as an outer boundary of the ULEZ. It is not considered a road within it.
Important Note: Despite its location within the ULEZ, the City of London is a separate entity, with its own distinct status. The City itself imposes an additional fee during certain hours of the day, titled: the Congestion Charge.
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What is the Difference Between the Ultra-Low Emission Zone and the Congestion Charge?
- The Ultra-Low Emission Zone applies to all 33 London boroughs, but the Congestion Charge only applies to the City of London.
- Ultra-Low Emission Zone charges are enforced 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The only exceptions to this rule are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and specific Bank Holidays. Conversely, the Congestion Charge is only imposed from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 12 pm to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- You only pay for ULEZ charges if your vehicle is considered too polluting. However, you pay the Congestion Charge regardless of your vehicle’s emissions *though some exemptions exist.
Important Notes:The City is a relatively small, confined area in Central London, which experiences extremely high levels of traffic during peak hours. The Congestion Charge aims to minimise the number of vehicles travelling through this zone, which is why the cost is separate from the ULEZ charge.
Transport for London (TfL) will fine you for both ULEZ and Congestion Charge fees if:
You travel through the ULEZ in a non-compliant vehicle into the Congestion Charge zone, while both are in their operational hours.
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| The Boundaries of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone | The Boundaries of London’s Congestion Charge |
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*Who is Exempt From the Congestion Charge?
Vehicles exempt from the Congestion Charge in the City of London include:
- Vehicles with a disabled taxation class.
- Blue Badge holders (these are eligible to register for a 100% discount).
- Emergency Vehicles.
- Electric Vehicles (may be eligible for a 25% or 50% discount if registered for Auto Pay with TfL).
- Accredited breakdown vehicles.
- Vehicles with more than 9 seats (minibuses/coaches).
- Two-wheeled motorbikes/mopeds.
- Emergency services.
- Operational vehicles (e.g., used by London boroughs, the Royal Parks Agency, or the Armed Forces).
Important Notes: Most exemptions require you to register with Transport for London (TfL). Additionally, exemption from the Congestion Charge does not automatically exempt you from the Ultra-Low Emission Zone charge.
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What Does ULEZ-Compliant Mean?
The term ULEZ-compliant means a vehicle meets the specific emission standards to drive in the ULEZ without paying a daily charge. The acceptable emissions levels vary between different types of vehicles, and are as follows:
- Petrol Cars and Vans: Must meet Euro 4 standards. Most petrol vehicles registered with the DVLA after January 2006 meet this requirement.
- Diesel Cars and Vans: Must meet Euro 6 standards. Most vehicles of this type registered with the DVLA after September 2015 meet this requirement.
- Motorcycles and Mopeds: Must meet Euro 3 standards. Most vehicles of this type registered with the DVLA after July 2007 meet this requirement.
Electric vehicles are fully compliant with ULEZ standards as they have no tailpipe emissions.
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Is My Vehicle ULEZ Exempt?
To check if your vehicle is exempt from ULEZ standards and charges, refer to the official Transport for London website. There, you can input your license plate information and your vehicle’s country of registration, and you will receive all the information you need, including:
- Whether your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards.
- Congestion Charge rates, charging times, and specific postcodes in which it operates.
- Tunnel charge rates, charging times, and specific locations in which they operate.
- Additional charging zones, if applicable.
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How Much is the ULEZ Charge Now?
The ULEZ charge (as of March 2026) is £12.50 per day for non-compliant cars, motorcycles and vans (up to 3.5 tonnes). You are charged once daily. The cost covers unlimited entries and exits for that day. However, failure to pay this charge can result in dramatically higher fees the longer you wait.
How Long do I Have to Pay ULEZ Charges Before I Get Fined?
You have until midnight on the third day following your journey to the ULEZ to pay the charge. If the fee is not paid within this time frame, you will receive a fine on the fourth day at the earliest. If you don’t receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by the 4th day, don’t think you’ve gotten away with it!
Example Situation: You enter the ULEZ on a Monday. You have until Midnight on Thursday to pay your ULEZ charge. By Friday at the earliest, you will receive a PCN.
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Do I Need to pay ULEZ to go to Heathrow Airport?
If your vehicle does not meet the emissions standards, you must pay the ULEZ charges when going to Heathrow Airport.
How Much are the ULEZ Fines?
If you fail to pay your ULEZ charges on time, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice of £180. If you pay the charge within 14 days of its issue, the charge is reduced by 50% to £90. If you don’t pay the fine within 28 days of its issue, the fine increases by 50% to a total of £270.
To avoid a PCN, set up an Autopay on the official Transport for London website. By setting this up, you don’t have to remember to pay!
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How to Pay ULEZ Charges?
To pay ULEZ charges, use the official Transport for London website or app, or call 0343 222 2222. You can do this within three days of visiting the ULEZ, or set up Autopay before your journey there.
Important Note: Unfortunately, copycat websites, fake exemption certificates, phishing texts and emails and unauthorised agents operate to scam visitors out of ULEZ charges. Only pay your ULEZ charges on the official Transport for London website. To ensure you are on the correct site, check for https://tfl.gov.uk/ at the start of the site’s URL.
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Looking for ULEZ-Compliant Hire Vehicles?
Fairview Vehicle Hire is the largest independent vehicle rental company in the South East of England. We provide fully ULEZ-compliant vehicles to corporate clients and the general public, including vans, cars, minibuses and prestige vehicles. Our fleet of over 2,200 vehicles has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a basic mover’s van or leisurely travelling in groups of 9. We can also source specific vehicles to meet your exact requirements on flexible hire contracts.
We have 5 branches across London and the South East, including a location near Heathrow Airport. So, if you’re looking for quick, convenient vehicle hire, Fairview is here.
Anticipate hiring regularly? The Fairview app securely stores your documents for faster checkout every time. There, you can make amendments to your current booking, keep track of your previous hires, and get all the information you need at the press of a button.
Choose Fairview Vehicle Hire as your trusted supplier of ULEZ-compliant vehicles today. If you need any more information about our fleet, services, or ULEZ standards, get in touch with us. Our team of experts is happy to help.
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