Understanding whether your vehicle is subject to the ULEZ charge is essential. Failure to register a vehicle eligible for a 100% charge discount or to pay the fee within three days of travel within the ULEZ could result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180. However, there’s an option to reduce this penalty to £90.

To avoid unexpected PCNs, or to minimalise them if issued, read your guide for essential information on what steps to take.

What vehicles have to pay to drive in London’s ULEZ?

To ensure compliance with ULEZ and other Clean Air Zones across the UK, vehicles must meet specific emission standards based on their engine grades. Petrol vehicles, including petrol-hybrids, need to meet at least Euro 4 standards, while diesel vehicles, including hybrids, must adhere to Euro 6 standards.

Failure to meet these standards will result in daily charges for entering ULEZ. For more information on which vehicles to avoid if you frequently drive in the ULEZ, refer to our comprehensive guide.

You can check your engine’s Euro framework in your V5C logbook. This ensures compliance and helps avoid potential PCNs, which can escalate into substantial fines if overlooked.

What if I have an international vehicle?

Many international drivers visiting London are facing substantial ULEZ fines, even if their vehicles are compliant or were pre-registered with Tfl.  During registration, you’ll be required to provide several documents : 

1. 1. A copy of your V5C logbook or its international equivalent, ensuring that the address listed is up to date as the keeper. This is crucial as any charges or penalties will be sent to this address via post.
   2. Documentation such as a Certificate of Conformity from your manufacturer, proving compliance with ULEZ regulations.

It’s essentially to note that if you drive an imported or international car, you must register with both TfL and EPC plc. Registering with TfL alone is insufficient. Again, ensure that the address you use is one where you can promptly receive your post.

If you receive a PCN issues by post, you must take action within 28 days to avoid the fine increasing by 50%, totaling £270. For further details on charges, continue reading.

How much is the ULEZ fine?

The daily ULEZ charge for non-compliant vehicles remains £12.50 in 2023, even after the ULEZ’s phsyical expansion in August to cover the entirety of Greater London.

This charge applies to motorcycles, mopeds, cars, vans, and minivans. However, buses, lorries, and other large vehicles are exempt from ULEZ and instead pay a higher charge based on the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Congestion Zone.

Failing to pay the ULEZ charge within three days of your journey results in a PCN. For cars, vans, motorcycles, mopeds, caravans, and minibuses, the penalty for non-payment or incorrect payment of the ULEZ charge is £180.

It’s worth noting that there’s an increased risk of receiving a PCN if you pre-pay your ULEZ charge by post fewer than 10 days before travel, as this may not allow sufficient time for administrators to process your payment.

Paying the PCN within 14 days reduces the charge to £90. However, failing to pay within 28 days increases the penalty by £90, bringing the total to £270.

The PCN will be sent to the postal address of the registered keeper as indicated in the V5C logbook. Therefore, ensuring all paperwork is up to date is crucial, especially for drivers of non-compliant vehicles.

How to pay the standard ULEZ charge

There are several ways to pay the ULEZ charge, catering to both locals and visitors : 

1. TfL’s Autopay : This free system covers ULEZ, LEZ, and Congestion charges, making it ideal for Londoners who frequently travel within the city and would otherwise need to register numerous days of travel.
2. Online Payment Portal : Pay for each journey online using TfL’s ULEZ payment portal.
3. TfL’s App : The TfL app offers options for AutoPay, penalty payments, and other services, all free of charge.
4. Phone Payment : Pay by phone from 8am to 8pm Mondays to Fridays. Please note that the number is not toll-free : +44 343 222 2222.
5. Postal Payments : While possible, paying  by post is discouraged due to its lower security and reliability compared to online payment methods. It’s not the recommended option.

How to pay the ULEZ penalty

To pay or challenge your ULEZ penalty, you can use the TfL app or visit the TfL website. Make sure to provide the PCN number and confirm your vehicle registration. Remember, you have 28 days to either pay or contest the PCN before the charge increases to £270. Ut becomes more challenging to challenge the fine the longer you wait. Ensuring your address is correct with both TfL and in your V5C logbook can help avoid issues with receiving or contesting PCNs.