Urban van ownership has never been under stricter scrutiny. At the heart of this shift sits London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), expanding annually, and clamping down on polluting vehicles with firm resolve. As a van buyer, the stakes are high: from the looming threat of daily charges to hits on resale value if your van isn’t future-proofed. Whether your van is a lifeline for business, family or creative work, ULEZ compliance will affect your costs and peace of mind. If you’re actively searching for ULEZ vans, considering the differences between ULEZ compliant vans, or want a list of vans exempt from ULEZ, it pays to get a handle on the essentials now before making your next move.
For those wanting to skip straight to compliant stock, our complete ULEZ-compliant vans for sale page has you covered. However, this guide covers everything you need: from understanding the regulations, through to the best models for buying, checking compliance, and avoiding unnecessary charges or fines. Owning a low emission zone van now requires careful planning, and a clear understanding of ULEZ rules, or you could find the running costs stack up very quickly.
What is ULEZ and How Does It Affect Vans?
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) is a regulated area—currently covering most of central and inner London—where stricter vehicle emission standards apply, with plans for further rollouts. Expansion is inevitable, with other major UK cities drafting similar frameworks. If your van doesn’t meet ULEZ standards, you’ll face a daily charge to drive within the zone.
ULEZ for vans applies to all light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. If your van isn’t compliant, the ULEZ van charge sits at £12.50 every single day you use the vehicle in the zone. There’s no cap—daily non-compliance rapidly drains profits and budgets, and fines for persistent breaches stack even higher. ULEZ van compliance rules focus on emissions standards, not vehicle age alone, so some older vans are exempt, while some newer ones get caught out.
Below is an at-a-glance table outlining minimum requirements:
Fuel Type
Minimum Standard for ULEZ Compliance
Diesel
Euro 6 (registered from Sept 2016)
Petrol
Euro 4 (registered from Jan 2006)
Electric
All electric vans are compliant
Hybrid
Must meet the relevant petrol/diesel standard
If your van falls short of these, every day inside the ULEZ racks up more cost. Your logbook and vehicle registration certificate (V5C) will usually state the engine standard.
Which Vans Are ULEZ Compliant?
ULEZ compliant vans fall into three main categories—Euro 6 diesel, Euro 4 (or better) petrol, and of course, electric. This means not all diesel vans are penalised; ULEZ compliant diesel vans are sought-after and hold their value better, as do ultra low emission vans spanning both fuel types.
Many popular van models produced from 2016 onwards will hit the Euro 6 mark for diesel engines, while petrol vans need to reach Euro 4, usually those registered from 2006 onwards. Electric vans are a sure-fire bet: zero tailpipe emissions and zero daily charges, though initial purchase prices can be higher.
If you’re looking at particular makes and models, you’ll want to double-check compliance before committing. For example:
VW Transporter ULEZ: A consistent favourite with trades and families, later diesel versions are Euro 6 and petrols comfortably pass.
Citroen Berlingo ULEZ compliant: Both as a nimble diesel or clean petrol engine, the Berlingo is among the most popular small vans.
ULTRA low emission vans—usually referring to full battery-electric or advanced hybrid models—are the gold standard for compliance, future-proofing and savings.
Vans Exempt From ULEZ Charges
While the vast majority of diesel and petrol vans older than the threshold standards attract daily charges, there are a few genuine ULEZ exempt vans. Generally, these fall into special use categories. Historic vehicles—registered before 1st January 1973—are automatically ULEZ free, as are vehicles used for certain specialist functions, such as mobile cranes or ambulances.
So, if your van is a modern workhorse, exemptions are rare and mostly historical. Most van owners will need to focus on choosing a van model and engine combination that already meets the Euro 6 or Euro 4 threshold. This applies to the majority of buyers and sellers; old workarounds are rapidly closing.
If you’re looking specifically for options that are ULEZ compliant, or seeking vans that are ULEZ free, our full ULEZ-compliant van listings are updated daily, making it easy to filter by compliant models only.
Popular ULEZ Vans for Sale in the UK
With ULEZ searches surging, certain van models with compliant engines are in especially high demand with both fleet purchasers and private buyers. Here are the most searched and available, each linking directly to the right internal stock pages:
VW Transporter ULEZ – Highly adaptable, consistently durable, and available as Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4+ petrol.
Ford Transit Custom ULEZ – The byword for reliability, the newer generations are almost always compliant and widely available.
Mercedes Vito ULEZ – A premium choice for trades and shuttle services, later models are fully compliant.
Peugeot Partner ULEZ – Nippy, affordable, with Euro 6 and electric versions to choose from.
Waiting for prices to drop or exemptions to relax is a high-risk strategy if you rely on unrestricted city access. Each of these models commands a premium in the compliant market, and for good reason.
How to Check if Your Van is ULEZ Compliant
Before buying (or venturing into the ULEZ) with your existing van, you need to be sure of its status. Fortunately, this is simple and fast to check:
Double-check your V5C logbook for the Euro emissions rating (Euro 6 for diesel, Euro 4+ for petrol).
If unsure, ask the seller for documentation, or use your vehicle’s registration details online.
Most modern vans should mention the Euro standard on the manufacturer sticker (under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door). If the statement is missing or unclear, treat the van as non-compliant until confirmation.
Remember: “van ULEZ compliant” doesn’t always mean it will be right for every city or the next batch of low emission regulations. Take five minutes to check before you buy or risk running up charges for a simple oversight.
Costs and Penalties
Failing to comply with ULEZ regulations while driving in a charging zone puts you at immediate financial risk. The ULEZ van charge is currently set at £12.50 per day for non-compliant vans, irrespective of time spent in the zone. Enter for just a few minutes, and you’ll still be charged for the whole day.
Non-payment is where costs spiral. If you drive a non-compliant van within the zone without paying, you’ll quickly be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), starting at £180 and reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. Repeat offenders will see fines escalate and debt follow-ups.
Here’s a tidy summary:
Situation
Cost
Daily ULEZ Van Charge
£12.50
PCN (Penalty Charge Notice)
£180 (or £90 if paid early)
Critically, there is no limit to the number of charges you can rack up. If you forget to pay for every day your van is driven in the ULEZ, you can end up accruing hundreds of pounds per month, plus fines.
Should You Buy a ULEZ Compliant Van Now?
There’s no need to wait for expansion maps to be drawn or for new deadlines to pass. ULEZ compliant vans are holding their value, avoid daily £12.50 charges, and make for smarter asset management if you plan to sell or trade in coming years. With new legislation set to get tighter, and more UK cities drafting their own low-emission zones, opting for a van that can access any location unrestricted is both practical and valuable.
Looking at future-proofing, protecting your business, and making sure you stay mobile anywhere in the UK, choosing a compliant van is now about certainty and security. There’s no gain in waiting, and the cost of missing out can be immense.
ULEZ vans have shifted from being a “nice to have” to a cornerstone of smart vehicle ownership in London and beyond. Selecting ULEZ compliant vans, or vehicles that are genuinely vans exempt from ULEZ rules, is rapidly becoming the only way to guarantee low running costs, unrestricted access, and high resale. With new restrictions on the horizon for many UK cities, acting now is the surest route to staying on the road and staying in business.
If you want to avoid daily charges, escape the penalty trap and secure your investment, don’t wait for bans or price spikes. Find your next ULEZ van before the market gets picked clean.
FAQs
Which vans are ULEZ compliant?
Most diesel vans registered after September 2016 (Euro 6 standard) and petrol vans registered after January 2006 (Euro 4 standard) are ULEZ compliant. Popular examples include the VW Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, and Citroën Berlingo.
Are diesel vans ULEZ compliant?
Yes, but only if they meet the Euro 6 standard (generally registered from 2016 onwards). Older diesel vans will need to pay the ULEZ charge unless exempt.
How much is the ULEZ charge for vans?
The daily ULEZ charge for non-compliant vans is £12.50 when driving inside the zone. This applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Christmas Day.
Which vans are exempt from ULEZ?
Exempt vans include historic vehicles over 40 years old, wheelchair-accessible vans, and certain specialist commercial vehicles. Fully electric vans are also ULEZ exempt.
How do I check if my van is ULEZ compliant?
You can use Transport for London’s official ULEZ vehicle checker by entering your registration number. Alternatively, check your V5C logbook for the Euro emissions standard.
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About Luke Polach
Luke Polach is a used vans enthusiast and the founder of Only Vans, a growing UK-based platform dedicated to helping buyers and sellers connect with the best used vans on the market. With a passion for commercial vehicles and years of industry insight, Luke shares practical advice and market knowledge to guide readers through every step of their van-buying journey.
