Non-UK vehicles driving in London

Vehicles registered outside the UK need to meet emissions standards when driving in London or pay a daily charge. The following schemes are in operation in London.

Ultra Low Emission Zone

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) applies to cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes). It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day (25 December). The zone operates across all London boroughs and the City of London. The M25 is not in the zone.

The ULEZ standards are:

  • Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
  • Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles.
  • Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles.

Low Emission Zone

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) applies to Lorries vans or specialist heavy vehicles (all over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW)) and bus, minibuses and coaches (all over 5 tonnes GVW). The LEZ operates across all London boroughs and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day.

The LEZ standards are:

  • Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for HGVs, lorries, vans, buses/minibuses, coaches and specialist heavy vehicles
  • Euro 3 (PM) Vans, minibuses and specialist diesel vehicles

Congestion charge

You need to pay a daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone during charging times. The charge is £18 if you pay in advance or on the same day, or £21 by midnight of the third day after travel. 

Most electric vehicles on Auto Pay can get the Cleaner Vehicle Discount and pay less:

  • 25% for electric cars
  • 50% discount for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles 

If your vehicle is registered outside of the UK, we won't know it's vehicle type unless you register it with us. To get the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, you must register your vehicle and set up Auto Pay. 

Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charge

Charges apply for Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel crossings. If you drive through either tunnel during charging times, you need to pay every time you cross, unless your vehicle is exempt. Charges apply in both directions. You may need to register your vehicle so that we have the correct vehicle type for the tunnels charge. 

Direct Vision Standard (DVS) HGV Safety Permit

All HGVs over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight need to hold a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) HGV safety permit.

Operators are required to apply and obtain a permit to enter or operate in Greater London, or they may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

If you don't have a permit for your vehicle, you can apply for one online for free.

Check your vehicle 

Before driving in London, check your vehicle using our vehicle checker.

Reasons to register

You must register your vehicle with us if:

  • It is listed by us as NOT meeting LEZ/ULEZ emissions standards, but you can provide evidence, such as vehicle registration documents, that shows it does 
  • It qualifies for an exemption or discount. Read more about exemptions and discounts
  • It is an electric vehicle, and you want to get the Cleaner Vehicle Discount for the Congestion Charge (you'll also need to set up Auto Pay)

If we don't hold details for a vehicle registered outside the UK, we won't know if it meets the ULEZ and/or LEZ emissions standards or what type of vehicle it is. If you think your vehicle meets the standards, you'll need to register it with us. 

Next steps

Register your vehicle with us.

After completing your registration   

You'll receive an email from us when your registration has been processed, detailing the outcome. This can take up to 10 working days. Until we have proof that your vehicle has been accepted as meeting the standards, you'll need to pay the charges to drive in London, or you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice. You can apply for a refund after your status has been confirmed.

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