Check if your Volvo is ULEZ Compliant

ULEZ: Is my Volvo compliant?

Air pollution in urban areas is a continually escalating concern, impacting not only the climate but also posing detrimental effects on our health. Reducing gas emissions from cars is a crucial and ongoing topic on the environmental agenda. This has led to updated emission standards when manufacturing new cars in Europe and the introduction of low-emission zones – like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London.

If you are in London and own a Volvo or are considering purchasing one, it is important to be aware of whether your car is compliant with ULEZ standards. In this article, we will guide you through London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and inform you about what cars are ULEZ Compliant.

What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a regulatory initiative to reduce air pollution in London. In essence, if your car doesn't meet the European emission standard, you'll incur a daily fee for driving in the zone. Former London mayor Boris Johnson announced the £12.50 daily charge in March 2015, and it became effective in April 2019.

The initiative began in Central London in the same area as the CCZ (Congestion Charge Zone). Unlike the CCZ, the ULEZ will charge a fee 24 hours a day, all week, instead of only during the day. Since 2023, ULEZ has been expanded to include areas in Greater London and similar low-emission zones have been adopted by other cities.

The main goals of ULEZ are improving London’s air quality by reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as Particulate Matter, nitrous oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons. This is done by encouraging other forms of transport and driving cars that meet newer European emission standards. The charge mainly affects older and more polluting cars, which means that if you have recently purchased a new car, it will most likely be ULEZ-compliant.

The European emission standards (Euro) that your car must meet to avoid fees in ULEZ:

Petrol

Euro 4, Euro 5 or Euro 6, which includes most cars registered after January 2006.

Diesel

Euro 6, which includes most diesel cars registered after September 2015.

Hybrid

Euro 4 for hybrid petrol cars.

Euro 6 for hybrid diesel cars.

Electric

All electric cars are exempted in low-emission zones like ULEZ and CCZ until the 25th of December 2025.

How to check if my Volvo is ULEZ compliant

The easiest way to check if your Volvo is ULEZ compliant is to enter your number plate into the Transport for London (TfL) website. This service is provided both for UK and non-UK residents. You can also check your European emission standard in the car registration documentation (V5C) or with the manufacturer.

If your Volvo is registered after September 2015, it is quite certain that it is compliant with ULEZ, but some cars sold before the 1st of September 2016 still have a Euro 5 engine.

It is also worth noting that not all hybrid cars are exempt from the ULEZ charge, so it is always essential to make sure that your specific car meets the minimum emission standards.

Choosing a fully electric Volvo is also a reliable way to move through ULEZ and similar zones without worrying about a charge.

Go electric with Volvo

Choosing a fully electric Volvo is not only a way to free yourself and the people around you from harmful emissions. It also saves you from worrying if you are about to enter a ULEZ area, and you can navigate freely in low-emission zones.

Electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, making them exempt from ULEZ charges. They also qualify for discounts and sometimes exemption from the congestion charge zones.

If you want to explore electric Volvo models further, browse our selection of fully electric cars and read more about them to make an informed choice.

ULEZ FAQs

1. What does ULEZ mean?

ULEZ stands for "Ultra Low Emission Zone" and is a designated area in London with strict emissions standards to reduce air pollution. If these standards are not followed by your car, a charge will be made of £12.50 for the day.




2. How do I pay for ULEZ charge?

There are several ways to pay the daily charge (£12.50) and penalty charge (£120):

• Pay or set up Auto Pay on the governmental Transport for London website
• Download the Transport for London mobile app
• Pay by phone by calling:

  0343 222 2222 (UK)

  +44 343 222 2222 (International)

  020 7649 9123 (Textphone for hearing impaired)




3. Are hybrid cars exempt from ULEZ?

Hybrid cars are not always exempt from the ULEZ charge. A petrol hybrid car must meet the Euro 4 emissions standard. A diesel hybrid car must meet the Euro 6 emissions standard. Check your car’s number plate at the Transport for London website, contact the car manufacturer or refer to your V5C document.




4. Is my Volvo Euro 6 ULEZ compliant?

Volvo models meeting Euro 6 (and produced from September 2015 and onward) emissions standards are ULEZ compliant for petrol and diesel engines. Petrol engines meeting the Euro 4 or 5 standards can also be ULEZ compliant. To confirm your Volvo's compliance, refer to your car registration document (V5C) or the Transport for London website.




5. Is my Volvo model ULEZ compliant?

If your Volvo model is registered after the 1st of September 2015, it is most likely ULEZ compliant. To be sure, however, it is important that you, as the owner, refer to your car registration document (V5C) or the Transport for London website.




To learn more about your Volvo, feel free to explore detailed information about your particular car model on our support page.