MOT Testing in Low Emission Zones: Does Your Car Comply?

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are becoming increasingly common across UK cities as part of the government’s effort to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions. If you live in or travel through one of these zones, you may be wondering how they affect your MOT test — and more importantly, whether your car complies with the stricter emissions requirements.

In this guide, we explore how MOT testing interacts with Low Emission Zones, what vehicles are affected, and what you need to know to stay road legal.

What Are Low Emission Zones?

Low Emission Zones (LEZs), Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs), and Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are areas where high-polluting vehicles are restricted or charged. These zones are set up in places like London, Birmingham, Bath, and Bradford, with more cities planning to introduce them in the near future.

Their purpose is to reduce the number of older, more polluting vehicles on the roads and encourage the use of low or zero-emission alternatives. Whether or not your car can enter these zones without penalty depends on how clean your engine is—usually measured by Euro emission standards.

Does Your MOT Test Change in a Low Emission Zone?

The MOT itself is the same whether you live inside or outside a Low Emission Zone. However, passing an MOT does not automatically mean your vehicle complies with LEZ, ULEZ or CAZ rules. The MOT checks whether your vehicle meets the minimum legal emissions standards to be roadworthy, but the zones often have stricter criteria.

For instance, a diesel vehicle might pass an MOT emissions test but still be charged for entering a ULEZ because it doesn’t meet Euro 6 standards.

How to Check If Your Car Complies

To find out if your car meets the emissions requirements for a specific Low Emission Zone, you can:

• Use the Transport for London ULEZ checker or GOV.UK Clean Air Zone tool
• Check your V5C logbook for Euro emissions standards
• Speak to your local council or garage for vehicle-specific advice

It’s especially important to check compliance if your MOT is due, as failing to meet LEZ standards could make daily commuting more expensive—even if your car is legally roadworthy.

Will the MOT Test Include More Emission Checks in Future?

There has been ongoing discussion around tougher MOT regulations in line with the UK’s net-zero emissions goals. In the future, MOT tests may include real-world emissions testing, especially for diesels and hybrid vehicles. This means cars that once passed an MOT might be subject to stricter checks—especially in urban areas enforcing Low Emission Zones.

Final Thoughts

While your MOT test doesn’t directly change inside a Low Emission Zone, the requirements for using your car in these areas are stricter. Passing an MOT is still essential to stay road legal, but it doesn't guarantee exemption from LEZ charges.

To avoid fines and penalties, make sure your car complies with local emissions standards—especially if you regularly drive through major UK cities.

For fast and reliable MOT checks or to check your due date, visit checkmot.com.