Which Classic Cars Are ULEZ Exempt?

A 1960s Aston Martin and a 1990s Porsche may both be described as classic cars, but London's Ultra Low Emission Zone does not treat them in the same way.

Being old, rare, valuable or insured as a classic does not automatically make a vehicle ULEZ exempt.

What matters is when the vehicle was built, whether it has been registered in the historic vehicle tax class and, for younger cars, whether its emissions meet the ULEZ standard.

This matters whether you keep a classic in London or drive one into the capital from Essex, Kent or Surrey. Before entering the zone, check the individual vehicle rather than relying on its age, model or description.

Two Ways a Classic Car Can Be ULEZ Exempt

There are two important historic vehicle exemptions for classic car owners.

Vehicles built before 1 January 1973 are exempt from ULEZ.

Vehicles more than 40 years old can also qualify once they have been successfully registered with the DVLA in the historic vehicle tax class.

That distinction matters.

A car does not become ULEZ exempt simply because its 40th birthday has passed. For vehicles relying on the rolling historic exemption, the DVLA historic tax status needs to be in place.

Classic car insurance, membership of an owners' club, an agreed insurance value or an advertisement describing the vehicle as a classic does not determine its ULEZ status.

What Is the Classic Car Cutoff in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, a vehicle built before 1 January 1986 can qualify for historic vehicle tax exemption.

If the exact build date is unknown, a vehicle first registered before 8 January 1986 can also qualify.

This means many cars built during 1985 have entered the historic tax window in 2026.

It is important not to interpret the rule as simply applying on the car's individual 40th birthday.

For example, a car built during 1986 does not become eligible during 2026 just because it turns 40. It falls outside the current 1 January 1986 construction cutoff.

Manufacture date and registration date can also differ. Cars may have remained in dealer stock before registration, while imported vehicles can have a more complicated history.

For that reason, use the vehicle's documentation rather than simply its registration number or advertised model year.

Why 1985 Classics Matter in 2026

The rolling exemption is now reaching cars from an interesting period.

A 1985-built Ferrari Testarossa, Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 or another eligible car from that year can potentially enter the historic vehicle tax class in 2026.

But the important word is built.

The model itself is not exempt. The individual vehicle has to fall inside the relevant date criteria and, where required, be registered correctly with the DVLA.

Two cars of the same model can therefore have different ULEZ treatment simply because one was manufactured earlier than the other.

That is why buying a classic advertised as "ULEZ exempt" should still involve checking the actual registration and vehicle records.

Is an Aston Martin, Porsche or Jaguar ULEZ Exempt?

The badge makes no difference to TfL.

The individual vehicle determines the answer.

An original Aston Martin DB5 falls comfortably within the pre-1973 historic category.

The same is true of a 1960s Porsche 912 and earlier examples of cars such as the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911.

Later versions of long-running models need to be checked individually.

A Porsche 911 built in the 1960s and another 911 built decades later may look equally at home at a classic car event, but their ULEZ status can be completely different.

Restoration cost, rarity and market value do not change the rule.

How Do You Register a Classic in the Historic Tax Class?

If an eligible vehicle is not already in the historic vehicle tax class, GOV.UK currently directs owners to apply through a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.

You normally need the V5C log book in your name, the V11 vehicle tax reminder if you have one, and evidence relating to the vehicle's MOT status.

The Post Office sends the V5C to DVLA and an updated log book is issued.

Even when no vehicle tax payment is due, the vehicle must still be taxed.

If you intend to drive the car while the change is being processed, make sure its existing tax position remains valid.

There are also restrictions for vehicles used commercially or for hire or reward.

Vehicles constructed before 1 January 1973 are exempt from the ULEZ regardless of commercial use.

Owners using a later historic vehicle for business purposes should check their individual position with DVLA rather than assuming the normal exemption applies.

Is Historic Tax Status the Same as MOT Exemption?

No.

This is an important distinction because vehicle tax exemption, MOT exemption and ULEZ exemption are related, but they are not the same rule.

For MOT purposes, current GOV.UK guidance says a vehicle can be exempt if it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago and has not been substantially changed during the previous 30 years.

The substantial-change rules can matter for heavily modified vehicles, restomods and cars that have undergone major changes to components such as the chassis, body, axles or engine.

Historic tax eligibility should therefore not simply be treated as proof that a vehicle is automatically MOT exempt.

Even where an MOT is not legally required, the car must remain roadworthy.

For valuable classics, many owners continue to have voluntary inspections regardless of the exemption.

What About Modern Classics?

A car does not need to be historically exempt to enter London without paying ULEZ.

A younger classic can simply be ULEZ compliant.

For passenger cars, the general minimum standards are Euro 4 for petrol cars and Euro 6 for diesel cars.

This creates an important difference between exempt and compliant.

A 1960s classic may avoid the charge because it qualifies for a historic exemption.

A much newer petrol performance car may avoid exactly the same charge because its emissions meet the required standard.

Neither pays ULEZ, but for completely different reasons.

This is particularly relevant to modern classics from the 1990s and 2000s. Do not assume that a car is liable for the charge simply because it is too young for historic status.

Use TfL's vehicle checker for the individual registration.

How Much Is ULEZ for a Non-Exempt Classic?

If a car does not meet the required emissions standard and has no applicable exemption, the current ULEZ charge is £12.50 per day when the vehicle is driven within the zone.

ULEZ operates 24 hours a day across all London boroughs, every day of the year except Christmas Day.

The charging day runs from midnight to midnight. Driving within the zone before midnight and again after midnight can therefore create two separate daily charges.

If the required ULEZ charge is not paid, the current penalty charge is £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

For an occasional classic car journey, that makes checking the vehicle before leaving home considerably easier than trying to resolve an incorrect assumption afterwards.

Does ULEZ Exemption Include the Congestion Charge?

No.

ULEZ and the London Congestion Charge are separate charging schemes.

A classic car being exempt from ULEZ does not automatically mean it is exempt from every other London road charge.

Depending on the journey, the Congestion Charge or one of London's tunnel charges may also be relevant.

Check the route as well as the car before travelling.

What About Classic Cars Registered Outside the UK?

Historic vehicles registered outside the UK can also qualify for the relevant ULEZ exemption, but TfL requires foreign-registered vehicles to be registered with them before travelling within the zone.

This is particularly important for collectors bringing cars into Britain from Europe or owners visiting London with an overseas-registered classic.

Do not assume that cameras will automatically recognise the vehicle's historic status from foreign registration documents.

Complete the TfL process before the journey.

How Should You Check a Classic Before Driving Into London?

The safest approach is simple.

Check the individual registration using TfL's official vehicle checker and confirm that the information matches the car's current V5C and tax status.

This is particularly important after changing a vehicle into the historic tax class or immediately after purchasing a car advertised as ULEZ exempt.

If TfL's result conflicts with the vehicle documentation, resolve the discrepancy before driving into the zone.

For older and imported vehicles, keep the documentation establishing the vehicle's age and identity with the rest of its history file.

Looking After a Classic Between Drives

Where a classic car is kept between journeys matters just as much as how often it is driven.

Many owners in London have limited garage space, while underground parking and shared car parks may offer little control over security, temperature, humidity or the environment surrounding the car.

Long periods without use can also create problems of their own. Battery condition, tyre pressures, moisture, fluids and the general condition of the vehicle still need attention while it is standing.

For owners looking for classic car storage in London, Equerry 55 provides private indoor storage from its Essex facility, with vehicle care available according to the selected storage plan.

Our classic car storage in Essex provides secure indoor accommodation for classic, prestige and collector vehicles.

We also work with owners looking for classic car storage in Kent and classic car storage in Surrey, with collection and covered transport available separately where required.

The purpose of proper storage is straightforward: give the car an appropriate environment and make sure it is checked according to the chosen storage plan.

For more on the problems that can develop when a vehicle is left incorrectly, read What Happens When You Store a Car Incorrectly?

The Short Answer

Not every classic car is automatically ULEZ exempt.

Cars built before 1 January 1973 fall within the historic ULEZ exemption. Newer vehicles more than 40 years old can qualify once they meet the relevant historic vehicle requirements and have been successfully registered in the historic vehicle tax class.

Younger classics may still be ULEZ compliant if they meet the required emissions standard.

Before driving into London:

• Check the individual registration with TfL.
• Confirm the vehicle's manufacture or registration date.
• Check that the DVLA tax class is correct if relying on historic status.
• Do not confuse MOT exemption with ULEZ exemption.
• Check the Congestion Charge and any other road charges separately.

For owners who need suitable accommodation for a valuable vehicle between drives, our car storage London service is provided from Equerry 55's private indoor facility in Essex.

Information checked on 22 September 2026. ULEZ, vehicle tax and MOT rules can change. Always confirm the current position with Transport for London and GOV.UK before relying on an exemption.