Is Euro 5 ULEZ Compliant? A Clear Guide For UK Drivers

Is Euro 5 ULEZ compliant? Not all Euro 5 cars are compliant, but some are. Before that, you should know what Euro 5 actually means and why it matters. If you’re driving through clean air zones, these aren’t just technical details. They could cost you £12.50 a day.

This guide will answer all your questions about Euro 5 and ULEZ. From petrol vs diesel compliance to how you can upgrade or check your vehicle status. We’ve made it clear and simple.

So, let’s get started.

What Does Euro 5 Mean?

Euro 5 is a vehicle emissions standard introduced to reduce air pollution. It sets strict limits on how much harmful gas and particulate matter your car can release.

This standard came into effect in September 2009 for new models and applied to all new car sales by January 2011.

For diesel cars, Euro 5 required a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to trap soot. It also limited nitrogen oxides (NOx) to 180 mg/km and particulate matter (PM) to 0.005 g/km.

For petrol cars, NOx emissions must stay below 60 mg/km, and direct injection engines must also meet PM standards.

Is Euro 5 ULEZ Compliant?

Whether a vehicle is ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) compliant depends on both its fuel type and emissions standard. According to Transport for London (TfL), petrol vehicles must meet at least Euro 4, while diesel vehicles are required to meet Euro 6 to avoid charges.

Therefore, while most Euro 5 petrol cars are ULEZ compliant, Euro 5 diesel cars usually are not.

However, it’s important to note that ULEZ compliance isn’t based solely on the Euro standard label. Instead, it’s determined by your vehicle’s actual emissions.

The zone operates 24/7, every day except Christmas Day, and now covers all London boroughs up to (but not including) the M25. Failing to pay the charge may result in a Penalty Charge Notice.

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Is Euro 5 Diesel ULEZ Compliant?

In most cases, Euro 5 diesel vehicles are not ULEZ compliant. According to Transport for London (TfL), only diesel cars that meet the Euro 6 standard can drive within the Ultra Low Emission Zone without paying a daily charge.

Euro 6 became mandatory for all new diesel vehicles from September 2015. This standard introduced much stricter limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter compared to Euro 5. As a result, Euro 5 diesels emit more harmful pollutants and fail to meet ULEZ emission requirements.

Therefore, if your vehicle is a Euro 5 diesel, you will likely need to pay the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge when driving in the zone. To avoid this, you could upgrade to a Euro 6 diesel, switch to a compliant petrol vehicle, or opt for a hybrid or electric car.

How to Check If Your Euro 5 Car Is ULEZ Compliant?

To check if your Euro 5 car is ULEZ compliant, start with the Exchange My Car’s online ULEZ checker. This is the most convenient source. You can also use the Transport for London (TfL) website and enter your number plate. The system will tell you if your car meets the ULEZ emissions standards.

Even though most Euro 5 diesel vehicles are not compliant, some may qualify if they meet Euro 6 limits. That’s why it’s important to check your specific vehicle using the tool.

You can also look at your V5C logbook. This document sometimes lists the Euro emissions standard. If it’s not clear, check with your car’s manufacturer or dealership for confirmation.

If your vehicle is non-compliant, you can either pay the daily charge, avoid driving in the zone, or consider upgrading to a compliant vehicle. Use the checker before you travel to avoid any surprise fines.

Can I Upgrade My Euro 5 Vehicle to Be ULEZ Compliant?

Yes, in some cases, you can upgrade a Euro 5 vehicle to meet ULEZ standards. However, it depends on the make and model. Most upgrades focus on diesel vehicles, as petrol Euro 5 cars are usually compliant already.

One option is to retrofit an approved emissions reduction system, such as a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. These can reduce harmful emissions enough to meet Euro 6 standards.

But retrofitting isn’t simple. The equipment must be approved by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS). Also, it must be fitted by an accredited installer to be valid. Once done, your vehicle needs to be re-registered with the DVLA, and the upgrade confirmed on TfL’s database.

For many private car owners, retrofitting isn’t cost-effective. It’s often easier to sell any car and switch to a ULEZ-compliant vehicle. TfL and some local councils also offer scrappage schemes to help low-income drivers and small businesses make the change.

What is the Difference Between Euro 5 and Euro 6?

The main difference lies in the emission limits. Euro 6 is much stricter than Euro 5.

Euro 5 diesel cars can emit up to 180 mg/km of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Euro 6 cuts this to 80 mg/km. That’s over a 55% reduction. For petrol cars, NOx limits stay around 60 mg/km for both standards.

Euro 6 also sets tighter controls on particulate matter (PM). This applies especially to petrol cars with direct injection. These cars must meet a particulate mass limit of 0.005 g/km. Euro 6 also adds a particle number limit, which Euro 5 did not.

Euro 5 vs Euro 6: Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the consequences of non-compliance for Euro 5 diesel owners?

If your Euro 5 diesel car doesn’t meet ULEZ standards, you must pay a daily charge to drive in zones like London’s ULEZ, and even Heathrow is in ULEZ. Currently, the charge is £12.50 per day. If you don’t pay, you risk a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which can be up to £180. 

Also, frequent non-compliance could lead to rising costs and more enforcement action. Over time, driving a non-compliant vehicle in ULEZ areas becomes very costly.

Are hybrid Euro 5 cars ULEZ compliant?

Not always. Many assume hybrid vehicles automatically meet ULEZ rules, but that’s not true for all models. If your hybrid uses a Euro 5 diesel engine like the Peugeot 3008, it’s unlikely to be compliant. Petrol-electric hybrids have a better chance of being ULEZ-compliant, but you must also check. Compliance depends on the engine, not just the hybrid label.

Is Euro 6 guaranteed to be compliant?

Most Euro 6 vehicles meet ULEZ standards, but there are exceptions. Some early Euro 6 diesel cars like the Vauxhall Insignia 2.0, registered before September 2015, may still fail the emissions test. 

That’s because Euro 6 includes different testing cycles (Euro 6a, 6b, 6c). Petrol vehicles that meet Euro 6 are almost always compliant. To be sure, use your registration number to check with Transport for London.

Can I drive a Euro 5 car in other Clean Air Zones (CAZ)?

It depends on the city’s CAZ policy. Cities like Birmingham, Bristol, and Bath charge drivers of non-compliant Euro 5 diesels. The daily charges and enforcement rules vary by location. Some areas only target commercial vehicles, while others include private cars. Before driving into any CAZ, check the local council website or use the national vehicle checker tool.

Is a Euro 5 petrol car ULEZ compliant?

Yes, a Euro 5 petrol car is usually ULEZ compliant. Transport for London (TfL) states that petrol vehicles must meet at least the Euro 4 emissions standard to drive in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) without paying a charge. Since Euro 5 is stricter than Euro 4, most Euro 5 petrol cars qualify.

However, you should still check your specific vehicle using the ULEZ checker because some older Euro 5 models, like the 2012 Ford Fiesta, may have exceptions due to their build or emissions profile.

Final Words: Is Euro 5 ULEZ Compliant

Driving a Euro 5 vehicle might seem fine until you face ULEZ charges. While Euro 5 petrol cars often meet the criteria, most diesel ones don’t. That’s why it’s important to check your vehicle’s compliance before entering a ULEZ zone.

If your car doesn’t meet the rules, regular charges can add up quickly. In some cases, upgrading or selling the vehicle may be a smarter option. It could save you money in the long run and help you avoid fines.

Want more useful guidance to help you make better car decisions? Explore our blog for the latest motoring advice.

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