ULEZ and classic cars
Classic cars built before 1 January 1973 never pay the ULEZ. Other classics are either exempt in the historic tax class, or pay £12.50 a day like any car that fails.
Which classic cars are exempt?
Two groups never pay: vehicles built before 1 January 1973, and vehicles over 40 years old in the historic vehicle tax class.
The historic tax class has no vehicle tax to pay, and the DVLA runs it. You must apply to move your car into it, because it doesn’t happen by itself. TfL lists both exemptions.
The rolling 40 year rule
The historic class moves forward every April. From 1 April 2026, cars built before 1 January 1986 can join it, says GOV.UK. A car built in 1986 can join a year later.
| Built | London ULEZ |
|---|---|
| Before 1 January 1973 | Exempt |
| 1973 to 1985, in the historic tax class | Exempt |
| 1973 to 1985, not in the historic tax class | £12.50 a day |
| From 1986 | £12.50 a day unless it meets Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) |
ULEZ compliant classic cars
A classic too young for either exemption pays like any other car of its age. A petrol car usually needs to be from 2006, though many from 2001 pass too.
Cars from the 1980s and 1990s were built long before Euro 4, so they almost never meet it. They pay £12.50 a day in London until they can join the historic class. Other zones set their own rules, so check every UK zone before a trip.
Common questions
Is a 40 year old car exempt from ULEZ?
Only if it’s in the historic vehicle tax class. Age alone isn’t enough, unless the car was built before 1973.