The ULEZ, or ultra-low emission zone, was expanded in August 2023 to include all of Greater London. This change affected millions of drivers in the city, meaning they would have to pay a daily charge or replace their vehicles.  

As the ULEZ restrictions are based on emissions, we set out to ask if it’s possible to make your car ULEZ-compliant and if it’s even worth the hassle. Keep reading for the latest low-emission zone news and tips to enhance your car for the new rules.

Can I Make My Car ULEZ-compliant?

Unfortunately, there are no approved ULEZ modification methods available that don’t require costly emissions testing afterwards. 

ULEZ restrictions are based on a car's emissions, which can be modified. However, our experience in garages shows it's not worth trying to make your car ULEZ-compliant unless you have a lot of money to spare.

How much does it cost to make my car ULEZ-compliant?

Making your car ULEZ-compliant is very costly and not advised. Usually, it’s more economical to replace your car with a ULEZ-compliant option.

However, we’ve collected a few general estimates to help you navigate costs:

Note that LPG conversions don’t guarantee ULEZ compliance. Likewise, all costs vary depending on car make and model. 

Can I Make my Van ULEZ-compliant? 

If your van has a diesel engine and is Euro 5 rated, you may be able to modify it to be compliant.

Bespoke modifications such as installing DPF systems can reduce the emissions enough to be below the ULEZ standard, but the van would need extensive testing to formally re-classify it.  

There is a scheme set up by the government called the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme or CVRAS. This body approves systems for retrofitting older vehicles to reduce their emissions without needing subsequent emissions testing after. 

To find out if your van is eligible, check out the CVRAS site here.

How much does it cost to make my van ULEZ-compliant?

If your van can be fitted with a CVRAS-approved system, it will likely cost £6,000 and upwards.

So, unless your van is indispensable due to other modifications or features, it may still be worth replacing it entirely. 

How to avoid paying ULEZ charges

If your car is not compliant, there isn’t much you can do to avoid paying ULEZ.

But there are a few options for alternative transport. Check out our guide here for more information.

What is the ULEZ Charge? 

To drive in the ULEZ, you'll need to pay £12.50 per day.

The charge applies year-round, 24/7, except on Christmas Day when ULEZ and Congestion charges are waived. Charges run from midnight to midnight, so if you drive in the zone from 23:45 to 00:15, you'll be charged twice.

How can I check if my car is ULEZ-compliant? 

Thankfully there are more definitive ways to check if your car is compliant than having to check its emission or Euro status.  

Transport for London has an online checking service, where you enter your registration plate and receive information on what charges you will have to pay.

Click here to check if your car is ULEZ-compliant.  

What cars are affected by the ULEZ Expansion?

Most petrol cars produced before 2006 and most Diesel cars made before 2015 will be subject to ULEZ fees. EVs and hybrids are all exempt, and drivers who hold a ‘blue badge’ are afforded a grace period until 2017.

For more info on what cars and why are affected, read our extensive guide on ULEZ-affected cars.  

You can make some changes to your car, but for most drivers in the UK, there is no cost-effective way to make your car ULEZ-compliant. The story is different for vans, as explained at the start of this blog. 

Will an LPG system make my car ULEZ-compliant?

LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is an alternative fuel for petrol cars. It requires a separate gas tank and modifications to the car’s fuel injection system.

Unfortunately, converting to LPG does not reclassify your car's emissions standard and will not make your vehicle ULEZ compliant.

However, LPG can reduce your road tax (VED) and lower fuel costs. Installation costs for an LPG system exceed £1,500, so you’ll need to calculate if the savings are worth the investment.

Can I Make My Old Car ULEZ-compliant?

Unfortunately, the situation is similar for older petrol and diesel cars. Currently, no CVRAS-approved systems are available. 

However, depending on your car's age, it might already be ULEZ-exempt.

Cars that are 40 years old qualify for historic classification with the DVLA, making them exempt from road tax (VED) and ULEZ charges.

What year cars are ULEZ compliant?

Surprisingly, a car’s registration year isn’t a key factor in ULEZ compliance. 

Rather, a car must meet the Euro 4 emission standards. Nearly all petrol cars from after January 2006 meet these. Also, petrol cars that meet Euro 5 and 6 standards are exempt from charges.

Diesel cars must meet Euro 6 standards to be ULEZ compliant. Most diesel cars registered after September 2015 pass this test.

ULEZ-compliant cars - The takeaway

So that’s the roundup on making your car ULEZ compliant, with the unfortunate conclusion that it often isn’t worth the cost for most people.

Instead, consider alternatives like taking public transportation or upgrading to a ULEZ-compliant vehicle. Always weigh these options before committing to an expensive conversion or new car purchase.

Looking for a ULEZ-compliant car? For some ideas on what ULEZ car to buy, check our guide here. 

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.