Drivers From Rural Areas Check Your Vehicles Before You Drive Into The Cities In Scotland As Fines For Emissions Start On 1 June

30th March 2024

People can now enter their vehicle registration number on the official website for Scotland's Low Emission Zones to confirm if their vehicle will comply.

In addition, Blue Badge holders who require exemptions can now register their details with the new LEZ exemption system so that the vehicle they are travelling in can access Low Emission Zones.

Check Your Car Registration HERE

The website has been offering a indicative checker service since 2019. This additional functionality makes it easier than before - without having to contact the vehicle manufacturer for full confirmation.

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) which help protect public health and improve air quality were formally introduced across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen in May 2022.

With the shape and scope of LEZs now agreed across the four cities through this introduction, local grace periods apply until enforcement commences.

In Glasgow, the LEZ already applies to buses. For other vehicle types, enforcement commences on 1 June 2023 (1 June 2024 for residents within the zone)

Edinburgh will commence enforcement on 1 June 2024

Dundee will commence enforcement on 30 May 2024

Aberdeen will commence enforcement on 1 June 2024

LEZs set an emissions limit for certain road spaces, which restricts access for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality. This helps protect public health within our towns and cities, making them more attractive places in which to live, work and to visit.

LEZs also encourage people to think about leaving the car at home and to consider public transport or active travel - supporting climate action by helping to meet Scotland's world leading commitment to reduce car kilometres travelled by 20% by 2030.

You cannot pay to enter a LEZ. Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set for a LEZ will not be able to drive within the zone. A penalty charge will be payable by the registered keeper of a vehicle when a non-compliant vehicle drives within a LEZ.

The minimum emission standards for vehicles permitted within the four LEZs are:

Euro 4/IV for petrol vehicles
Euro 6/VI for diesel vehicles
A number of vehicles are exempt from LEZ requirements, including vehicles used by blue badge holders.

Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart said, "We all have the right to breathe clean air and we all have a moral responsibility to act. Air pollution disproportionally impacts the most vulnerable in our society. It causes the most damage to the youngest, the oldest and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Low Emission Zones are an important tool to protect public health and improve air quality.

"Our biggest cities have already seen air quality improvements in advance of the introduction of LEZs as people, businesses and bus operators prepare. This additional functionality on our well-used website will make it easier for people to understand if their vehicle is compliant with the forthcoming emissions standards across Scotland.

"Our funding is helping those that need it most to comply with LEZs and exemptions are in place for disabled people and blue badge holders that require their car for everyday journeys.

The Fines
The initial penalty charge for all non-compliant vehicles is set at £60, reduced by 50% if it is paid within 14 days. The penalty amount doubles with each subsequent breach of the rules detected in the same LEZ.

Penalty charge rates are capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles, and £960 for buses and HGVs. Any further breaches of LEZ rules by the same vehicle detected in the same LEZ once this cap is reached will result in future PCNs issued at the capped penalty charge rate.

Light goods vehicles and £960 for buses and HGVs.