How to pay ULEZ charges: the full guide
ULEZ charges can catch you out if you don't know when and how to pay
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Pay ULEZ charges – who, when and how?
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charges are required in all London boroughs for non-compliant vehicles, with an aim to clean up the air.
To meet the ULEZ emissions requirements and not be eligible to pay the ULEZ charge, you’ll need to ensure that your vehicle meets the necessary Euro standards.
That means petrol cars, minibuses and vans must meet Euro 3 emission standards, diesel vehicles must be Euro 6, and motorcycles and mopeds must be Euro 3.
All electric cars are exempt from ULEZ charges and Congestion Charges until 25 December 2025.
There’s also a free ULEZ vehicle checker on the Transport for London (TfL) website.
If your car is not compliant, it’s important to know how to pay ULEZ charges if you’re going to be driving in the city.
The ULEZ charge can be paid on the TfL website, as well as other emissions-based charges like LEZ (Low Emission Zone) and the Congestion Charge.
You can pay your ULEZ charge for up to three previous days, as well as the current day and the day after. You can also pay for custom date ranges or set up auto pay.
How much are ULEZ charges?
ULEZ charges are £12.50 per day for vehicles that don’t meet ULEZ emission standards and are not otherwise exempt.
The only day the Ultra Low Emission Zone does not operate is Christmas Day (25 December), so you will have to pay the charge for non-compliant vehicles at all other times.
Some motorists are exempt from ULEZ charges. Taxis are currently exempt and not eligible for a penalty charge.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles and vehicles registered with disabled driver or disabled passenger tax benefits are also currently exempt. This grace period is due to end on 25 October 2027.
There’s also a grace period for vehicles registered under a person in receipt of benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment.
You can see the full guidelines on the TfL website.
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How to set up ULEZ Auto Pay
ULEZ Auto Pay can be ideal if you regularly travel in Congestion Charge areas, Ultra Low Emission Zones and Low Emission Zones.
The scheme allows you to drive into the areas and receive an automatic bill for your travel, rather than paying and setting up manually.
You can register for ULEZ Auto Pay on the TfL website for both business and personal use. You'll be billed each month for your ULEZ travel.
On the website, you'll be asked to sign in or make an account, and the setup process will go from there.
You’ll also be protected from receiving Penalty Charge Notices while you’re registered with the service. It’s ideal for motorists who regularly travel in the zones.
You can register up to five vehicles, or choose Fleet Auto Pay for businesses with more than five vehicles.
How to pay a ULEZ penalty charge
You may be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for driving within the ULEZ if you haven’t paid the daily charge or if your vehicle doesn’t meet the emissions standards.
You can pay a ULEZ fine online using the number on your PCN, using the TfL Pay to Drive in London app, or by post.
How much is a ULEZ fine
A standard PCN charge for not following ULEZ guidelines is £180 for a car, van or motorcycle. This fine can be lowered to £90 if paid within 90 days.
Charging hours are from midnight to midnight, so ensure your dates and times line up to avoid a fine.