How do I apply to make my car ULEZ-compliant?
You can apply to register your car for ULEZ using the TfL website. You will need a copy of the V5C and a copy of the CoC. If you don’t have the CoC, you can provide a letter from the manufacturer’s homologation department stating which Euro standard it meets.
Of course, if your car doesn’t meet the benchmarks for NOx and PM emissions (if the latter is applicable), TfL will deny your application. If it does, TfL will add it to the ULEZ database.
Some motorists have reported that their cars were added without them being notified of the fact, so it’s worth checking the site regularly after submitting your application.
Which older cars are actually ULEZ-compliant?
There are many examples of pre-2001 cars with engines that should theoretically comply with the ULEZ standards, given that post-2001 examples are indeed registered as compliant.
For example, a 2002 Toyota Yaris with the 1.0-litre 16-valve VVTi petrol engine is considered compliant, but one registered in 2000 – before Euro 3 standards came into force – isn’t.
However, it’s difficult to say with absolute certainty whether such a car would be considered ULEZ-compliant, given the limited number of people who have applied for compliance instead of replacing their car with something newer.
There’s greater clarity around cars more popular with enthusiasts, who make the extra effort to register their car as compliant rather than replacing it with a newer one.
The Lotus Elise S1, Lotus 340R and later examples of the MG F – which all share the Rover K-Series engine – are all reputed to be compliant with the NOx requirements.
Owner’s clubs and online forums can be a good source of information concerning cars with a cult following.
Classic cars that qualify for the historic vehicle tax exemption – built more than 40 years ago and registered as such with the DVLA – are exempt from paying the ULEZ charge.