Are classic cars exempt from ULEZ? Rules as expansion date closes in

As the cost of living continues to rise, many motorists are looking for ways to keep spending down.

From rising fuel prices to MOT spending and repairs hitting harder as the cost of, well, everything rises, drivers are thinking carefully now more than ever about what they spend on their motor.

For those that live near a ULEZ Zone, the charges that come with them are just another cost to factor in when driving.

And with the expansion of the ULEZ coming in August, many are wondering which cars will be exempt from any charges – including classic cars.

Here’s what we know.

Are classic cars exempt from the ULEZ?

If you own a classic car you’re in luck – as it has been announced that some classic cars are exempt from ULEZ charges.

Cars constructed before January 1, 1973, will not have to pay the charges associated with the ULEZ.

It means many will be breathing a sigh of relief, with charges for those driving in ULEZ zones reaching £12.50 per day.

However, some modern classics constructed after this date that do not meet the emissions criteria set out by Transport for London (TfL) will need to pay.

Are there any other exemptions?

Many may already know that electric cars are exempt from the ULEZ congestion charge.

Other vehicles that can escape the charges include specialist agricultural vehicles, military vehicles, some mobile cranes, and London-licensed taxis.

Non-road vehicles which can drive on the motorway, such as an excavator, also don’t have to pay the charges.

Wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles will be given a grace period until October 24, 2027

Transport for London (TfL) has an online vehicle checker that states whether your vehicle is compliant: simply enter your registration number.

This will tell you if your vehicle meets the emissions and safety standards required to drive in London, or if you need to pay a daily charge.

Whether or not a vehicle is liable for the charge depends on how much nitrogen dioxide it emits.

According to ULEZ standards, vehicles must meet the following Euro frameworks to be exempt from the charge:

• Euro 3 for Motorbikes – engines must not produce more than 2.3g/km of carbon monoxide and 0.15g/km of nitrogen oxide
• Euro 4 for petrol cars, minibuses, vans – engines must not produce more than 1g/km of carbon monoxide or 0.08g/km of nitrogen oxide
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, minibuses, vans – engines must not produce more than 0.5g/km of carbon monoxide, 0.08g/km of nitrogen oxide or 0.005g/km of particulate matter

If the engine of your car produces less than these levels, that means it will be exempt from the charges.

Full information about exemptions and payment can be found on the TfL website.

MORE : High Court hears councils’ legal challenge against Ulez expansion

MORE : Sadiq Khan braces for London’s Ulez showdown

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.