Emissions standards
Skip to navigationThe emissions standards for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) are based on Euro standards. These define the limits for exhaust emissions for new vehicles sold in European Union (EU) member states, and which vehicles must comply with when manufactured.
LEZ emissions standards
- From 4 February 2008, a standard of Euro III for particulate matter (PM) for lorries over 12 tonnes
- From 7 July 2008, a standard of Euro III for particulate matter for lorries between 3.5 and 12 tonnes and buses and coaches over 5 tonnes
- From 4 October 2010, a standard of Euro III for particulate matter for larger vans and minibuses
- From 3 January 2012, a standard of Euro IV for particulate matter for lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches over 5 tonnes
Vehicle type and definitions |
Date affected |
Required emissions standards | |
---|---|---|---|
Heavier lorries Heavy diesel-engined vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight, including goods vehicles, motor caravans, motorised horseboxes and other specialist vehicles. |
4 February 2008
Euro III for PM
3 January 2012
Euro IV for PM |
All Euro III vehicles meet the LEZ standard. From 4 February 2008 the LEZ emissions standard is Euro III for particulate matter. Vehicles first registered as new with the DVLA on or after 1 October 2001 are assumed to be Euro III, so will meet the LEZ emissions standards. Vehicles not meeting the emissions standard could be made to do so by modifying them to meet the Euro III standard for particulate matter. Vehicles not meeting the emissions standards would need to pay a daily charge if used within the LEZ. From January 2012 the required emissions standards are raised to Euro IV. All Euro IV vehicles will meet the LEZ standard. Vehicles first registered as new with the DVLA on or after 1 October 2006 are assumed to be Euro IV, so will meet the LEZ emissions standards. Vehicles not meeting the emissions standards could be made to do so by modifying them to meet the Euro IV standard for particulate matter. Vehicles not meeting the emissions standards would need to pay a daily charge if used within the LEZ. | |
Lighter lorries |
7 July 2008
Euro III for PM 3 January 2012
Euro IV for PM | ||
Buses and coaches |
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4 October 2010
Euro III for PM |
All Euro III vehicles will meet the LEZ standard. Vehicles registered as new with the DVLA on or after 1 January 2002 are assumed to be Euro III, so will meet the emissions standards. Vehicles not meeting the emissions standards could be made to do so by modifying them to meet the Euro III standard for particulate matter. Vehicles not meeting the emissions standards would need to pay a daily charge if used within the LEZ. | |
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Vehicle weight is a good guide as to when your vehicle is affected by the LEZ. If your type of vehicle is not listed you should use the weight limits used for lorries and large vans as a guide and/or contact your vehicle manufacturer or TfL for guidance.
Your vehicle's emissions standards
The emissions standards of your vehicle can usually be determined from the date of its first registration as new, which is shown on the vehicle's registration document known as a V5C or the country equivalent.