Classic Cars Could Dodge London’s ULEZ Charge
Good news for classic car lovers: some vintage motors may be off the hook from coughing up the dreaded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fee.
Who Qualifies for ULEZ Exemption?
Transport for London (TfL) confirms vehicles classified as “historic” are exempt from the ULEZ charge. According to TfL, all vehicles with a historic vehicle tax class avoid the fee. This matches the rules for the existing Low Emission Zone (LEZ), meaning any vehicle built before January 1, 1973, escapes the ULEZ charge, no matter if used commercially or privately.
How to Secure Your Classic Car’s Exemption
Owners need to register with the DVLA to claim this perk. TfL advises that if your vehicle is over 40 years old, you can apply to stop paying vehicle tax—and by extension, avoid the ULEZ fee. This 40-year cutoff rolls forward annually; for example, at ULEZ’s launch in April 2019, vehicles made before 1979 qualified for the historic tax class.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
TfL offers a ULEZ scrappage scheme to help some motorists switch to cleaner cars. If you miss out, you can either pay the ULEZ charge or consider upgrading to a compliant vehicle. But for those classic car buffs who meet the historic criteria, the ULEZ charge is a non-starter.
For full details and to apply for exemption, head over to the official TfL website.
