If you drive in London, or might one day, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is worth understanding before you buy a used car. A non-compliant car can cost you a daily charge every time you drive in the zone, which can turn a cheap car into an expensive one. This guide covers the basics. Rules and charges can change, so always check Transport for London (TfL) before you buy.
What is the ULEZ?
The ULEZ is an emissions-based zone run by TfL. Cars that do not meet the emissions standard pay a daily charge to drive within it. The zone covers all London boroughs. At the time of writing the daily charge for a non-compliant car is £12.50, and it applies every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Which used cars usually meet the standard?
- Petrol cars: generally need to meet the Euro 4 standard, which most petrol cars registered from around 2006 do.
- Diesel cars: generally need to meet the Euro 6 standard, which most diesel cars registered from September 2015 do.
- Electric cars: have no exhaust emissions and meet the standard.
These are guidelines, not guarantees. The registration year alone does not always tell you the emissions standard, so check the specific car rather than relying on its age.
How to check a car before you buy
- Use TfL’s official ULEZ information and vehicle checker with the car’s registration number.
- Run a free vehicle check on Key2Car to see the MOT history, recorded mileage and tax status for the same registration.
- Ask the seller to confirm in writing that the car is ULEZ compliant, and keep that message.
Does it matter if I do not live in London?
Possibly. If you ever drive into London, a non-compliant car will be charged. Other UK cities also run Clean Air Zones with their own rules and charges, so check with the relevant local council if you drive into a city regularly.
Finding a car on Key2Car
Search used cars by make, model, price or monthly budget. Each listing shows an estimated monthly cost and running costs, but compliance depends on the individual car, so check it yourself using the steps above. For more on checking a car properly, read our guide to buying safely.
