Since 25 October 2021, only zero-emission vehicles – such as EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – have been exempt from the congestion charge. From December 2025, however, even drivers of zero-emission cars will be required to pay.
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Can you get away without paying Congestion Charge?
As long as you keep your eyes on the road, the congestion zone is quite clearly signposted. So keep your wits about you and you can drive just outside its boundary without actually going in, even if you don’t have a map or sat nav.
How do I know if I am exempt from Congestion Charge?
If you already have an account, sign in to Pay to drive in London to check if a discount or exemption applies to your vehicle – and what charges you would need to pay.
Can I check if I drove in the congestion zone?
How do I know if I drove in the congestion zone? You can check the congestion charge zone on the TFL website and this will inform you if you need to pay. The congestion zones themselves work by using cameras to capture the registration plates of those driving there.
Is the Congestion Charge a law?
The congestion charge is a daily levy imposed on drivers choosing to drive within central London. It applies between 07:00 and 22:00 seven days a week. The standard charge is £15 per day.
Which cars qualify for Congestion Charge exemption?
Who doesn’t have to pay congestion charges?
- Blue Badge holders.
- Roadside recovery vehicles.
- Accredited breakdown vehicles.
- Vehicles with nine or more seats.
- Cars that emit 75g/km or less of CO2.
- Zero-emission vehicles (Fully electric vehicles and any other zero emissions vehicles)
Do all cars have to pay Congestion Charge?
Since 25 October 2021, only zero-emission vehicles – such as EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – have been exempt from the Congestion Charge. From December 2025, however, even drivers of zero-emission cars will be required to pay.
Do I have to pay Congestion Charge if I have a blue badge?
As a badge holder you don’t have to pay the congestion charge. To qualify for the 100% discount from the charge, you must first register with Transport for London and pay a registration fee of £10. You don’t need to own or drive a vehicle to register for this concession.
How do I get out of Congestion Charge fine?
Challenge a penalty charge
- Make a representation. A representation is your chance to challenge the PCN and forms part of a legal process.
- Make an appeal.
- Make a Statutory Declaration.
What is the fine for the congestion zone?
You can pay the Congestion Charge online, by auto pay, app or telephone. If you do not pay the Congestion Charge, you will be fined £160.
What happens if I pay Congestion Charge by mistake?
The rules for refunds of paid congestion charges as set out in the Scheme Order are the same whatever payment method is used. Refunds are only available for unused future days of monthly (20 day) and annual (252 day) charges. Refunds are not available for any part of daily or weekly (5 day) charges.
What are the new Congestion Charge rules?
The main measures mean that from 21 February, there will be no charges in the evenings after 18:00, and operating hours on weekends and bank holidays will reduce to 12:00-18:00. The current charge level of £15 will be retained. These changes will directly address the traffic challenges in central London.
What cars are allowed in congestion zone?
Ultra Low Emission Zone
- Cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes)
- Residents of the Congestion Charge area (the 100% discount of the daily ULEZ charge has ended)
Do electric cars have to pay the London Congestion Charge?
Zero emission vehicles that meet the criteria are eligible for a 100% discount on the Congestion Charge. The Government offers grants for new plug-in vehicles, currently up to £2,500 for cars, £1,500 for motorcycles, £6,000 for vans, £7,500 for taxis and £16,000 for trucks. Find out about plug-in car grants.
What cars are exempt from the Low Emission Zone?
Petrol cars less than 12 years old
Diesel cars typically produce far more of these compounds than petrol cars, which is why drivers of most petrol cars will not have to pay to enter the zones.
What medical conditions qualify for a Blue Badge?
People who may get a Blue Badge
You may be eligible for a badge if one or more of the following applies: you cannot walk at all. you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids. you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes.
What benefits can I claim if I have a Blue Badge?
The Blue Badge Scheme provides a range of parking benefits for disabled people who have difficulty walking. For example, you can park for free in pay-and-display bays and also on double and single yellow lines. A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and Northern Ireland, and up to £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales.
How do I register my car for free Congestion Charge?
To complete the registration process you will first need to set up a London Road User Charging account. If you have already done this please ‘sign in’. You will then need to complete the LEZ vehicle registration form and provide additional documentary or photographic evidence.
How long do you have to pay Congestion Charge after?
What do I do now that I’ve got a PCN? Don’t ignore the PCN even if you believe you have paid the charge, are exempt or registered for a 100% discount. You have 28 days from the date of service of your PCN to either: Pay the penalty or.
Will I be charged if I enter congestion area before 7am and leave after 7am?
What time does the Congestion Charge end? The Congestion Charge operates 7am-10pm every day except for Christmas day. That means you can travel through the zone before 7am or after 10pm without paying the charge. The ULEZ may still apply, though.
How do I get out of Congestion Charge fine?
Challenge a penalty charge
- Make a representation. A representation is your chance to challenge the PCN and forms part of a legal process.
- Make an appeal.
- Make a Statutory Declaration.