Do motorbikes have to pay the ULEZ charge?

Which vehicles are covered

TfL’s motorcycle rules cover motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and L-category quadricycles. Each has to meet the minimum emissions standard when travelling within the Ultra Low Emission Zone, or pay the daily charge.

The standard a motorbike has to meet

The standard is Euro 3 for NOx, which became mandatory for all new motorcycles in 2007. The ULEZ is enforced on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than its age. TfL says Euro 3 engines are generally those registered with DVLA after July 2007, and that nearly all motorcycles produced since 2007 meet the standard.

Electric motorcycles emit no NOx or CO2 from the tailpipe.

What it costs if the bike does not meet it

The daily charge is £12.50, running from midnight to midnight, so a ride across midnight inside the zone means two charges. The penalty charge is £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. TfL says motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from the Congestion Charge, and that motorcycles and other L-category vehicles are not subject to Low Emission Zone charges.

If the checker says your bike is affected but you think it meets the standard

TfL asks you to follow the steps on its vehicle checker’s results page to send proof. It accepts supporting evidence from the vehicle’s manufacturer, and results from test facilities that it has approved for measuring NOx emissions.

Buying a used motorbike to ride in London

Check the registration document for the bike’s Euro emission standard or NOx figure. If they are not listed, ask the manufacturer or use TfL’s vehicle checker. The date a bike was first registered with DVLA is in section B of the registration document, and GOV.UK’s vehicle enquiry service shows it too.