By Ollie Juggins
4th June 2025
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been a game-changer for air quality in the capital, but it’s also created challenges for car enthusiasts and owners of older vehicles. The good news? Classic car owners have several routes to avoid the daily £12.50 charge – and some exemptions are more straightforward than you might think.
The ULEZ operates 24/7, covering all London boroughs since its expansion in August 2023. It’s designed to reduce harmful emissions by charging vehicles that don’t meet specific Euro emission standards. But here’s where it gets interesting for classic car enthusiasts: age can be your friend.
Yes! Classic cars can be exempt from ULEZ charges through two main routes, depending on their age and registration status.
Cars Built Before 1973
The most straightforward exemption applies to vehicles built before 1st January 1973. These cars are automatically exempt from ULEZ charges – no paperwork required, no special registration needed. If your classic predates 1973, you’re in the clear.
When Do Cars Become Classic in the UK? The 40+ Year Rule
This is where modern classic car owners can benefit from a rolling exemption. Cars over 40 years old can apply for Historic Vehicle tax class status with the DVLA, which makes them exempt from both road tax and ULEZ charges.
The beauty of this system is that it’s rolling – meaning that each year, another model year becomes eligible. In 2025, cars manufactured in 1985 and earlier can potentially qualify for historic status, assuming they meet the DVLA’s criteria for substantial originality.
For vehicles that don’t qualify for classic exemptions, here are the standards required to avoid the charge:
| Vehicle Type | Required Standard | Typical Registration Date |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol Cars | Euro 4 | Generally after January 2006 |
| Diesel Cars | Euro 6 | Generally after September 2015 |
Beyond classic cars, several other vehicle categories are exempt from ULEZ charges:
The easiest way to determine if your car needs to pay the ULEZ charge is to use Transport for London’s official vehicle checker at: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/
Simply enter your registration number, and the system will tell you whether your vehicle is compliant or exempt. This tool is particularly useful because it accounts for all exemptions, including historic vehicle status.
If your car is over 40 years old but not currently registered as a historic vehicle, you can apply to the DVLA. The key requirements are:
Are Classic Cars Exempt from Road Tax?
Yes! Historic vehicle status brings multiple benefits beyond ULEZ exemption:
MOT Exemption: Cars with historic vehicle status are exempt from MOT testing, though owners can still choose to have an MOT for peace of mind and insurance purposes.
VED (Road Tax) Exemption: Historic vehicles are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty, meaning no annual road tax payments.
ULEZ Exemption: As discussed, historic vehicles are exempt from London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone charges.
For classic car enthusiasts, ULEZ exemptions provide valuable protection for truly historic vehicles while encouraging the use of cleaner alternatives for daily driving. Whether you own a pre-1973 classic or are considering applying for historic vehicle status, understanding these rules can save you significant money and hassle when driving in London.
The key is planning ahead and ensuring your paperwork is in order. With the right preparation, you can continue enjoying your classic car on London’s roads without the burden of daily emission charges.
Always check the official TfL website for the most current information, as rules and exemptions can change. Use the vehicle compliance checker at https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/ to confirm your specific vehicle’s status.
MOT/Tax Exemption information: https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles
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