Dundee Low Emission Zone (LEZ): Map, Checker & Charges

Dundee's LEZ was created to help improve air quality in the city centre and encourage the use of cleaner vehicles. By limiting access for the most polluting vehicles, the scheme aims to create a healthier environment for residents, workers and visitors.

The Dundee LEZ scheme was introduced in 2022, giving drivers time to prepare for the new rules. Full enforcement began on 30 May 2024, meaning non-compliant vehicles entering the zone can now receive a penalty notice.

The Dundee LEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your vehicle does not meet the required emissions standards, you could receive a penalty notice whenever you enter the zone.

Dundee and Edinburgh both operate Low Emission Zones under Scotland's LEZ rules, meaning they use the same minimum emissions standards for vehicles.

However, the zones cover different areas of each city. The Dundee LEZ applies to the city centre area within the A991 Inner Ring Road, while Edinburgh's LEZ covers a different part of the city centre.

The easiest way to check if your vehicle meets Dundee LEZ requirements is by using your registration number. Use the Regit Dundee LEZ checker to find out if your vehicle is allowed in the Dundee Low Emission Zone in just a few simple steps:

1. Enter your vehicle registration number. This allows us to identify your vehicle details and check its emissions information.
2. Select your reason for checking. Choose why you want to check your vehicle, such as planning a journey, buying a vehicle, or checking if your current car meets LEZ requirements.
3. View your results. Your results will show whether your vehicle is compliant with Dundee's LEZ rules. If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, it will show the expected fine.

Checking your vehicle in advance helps you avoid unexpected penalties and gives you peace of mind before travelling.

To drive in the Dundee LEZ without receiving a penalty, vehicles generally need to meet these minimum standards:

• Petrol cars and vans: Euro 4 or newer
• Diesel cars and vans: Euro 6 or newer
• Buses, coaches and HGVs: Euro VI or newer

These standards are a guide only, as compliance depends on the vehicle's individual emissions data.

While most vehicles entering the Dundee Low Emission Zone must meet the required emissions standards, some vehicle types are exempt from the LEZ rules.

Exempt vehicles include:

• Emergency vehicles – vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles used for emergency response
• Vehicles used by disabled people – certain vehicles used by disabled drivers or passengers may be exempt, depending on the vehicle's eligibility and registration details
• Other nationally recognised exempt vehicles – some specialist vehicles may also be exempt under Scottish LEZ regulations, including certain military and historic vehicles where applicable
• Motorcycles and mopeds – motorcycles and mopeds do not need to meet the same emissions standards as cars, vans, buses and HGVs

If you think your vehicle may qualify for an exemption, it is important to check the latest guidance and make sure any required information is correctly registered. Even if your vehicle is exempt, you should still check your vehicle status before travelling into Dundee city centre to avoid any unexpected issues.

The first Dundee LEZ penalty charge is £60. If paid within 14 days, this is reduced by 50% to £30.

If the same vehicle enters the Dundee LEZ again within a 90-day period, the penalty increases each time:

• First offence: £60 (£30 if paid within 14 days)
• Second offence: £120
• Third offence: £240
• Fourth and subsequent offences: £480 (maximum for cars and light goods vehicles)

After 90 days without another offence, the penalty resets to the initial £60 charge.

Checking your vehicle before travelling is the easiest way to avoid receiving a fine. Use the Regit Dundee LEZ checker to find out if your vehicle meets the required standards.

If you receive a Dundee LEZ Penalty Charge Notice, the notice will explain how to pay the charge and the deadline for payment.

If you believe the penalty has been issued incorrectly, you can challenge it by following the appeal instructions provided on the PCN. You should include any relevant evidence that supports your appeal.

Make sure you respond within the timeframe shown on your notice. If you do not pay or appeal, further enforcement action may be taken.

The Scottish Low Emission Zone Support Fund provides financial help for eligible households and small businesses affected by Scotland's LEZs, including Dundee. The scheme is designed to help people move away from older, more polluting vehicles.

Eligible households could receive up to £3,000 in support, including:

• Up to £2,000 to scrap a non-compliant vehicle at an approved treatment facility
• Up to £1,000 through the Travel Better grant to support cleaner travel options, such as public transport, bike schemes, car clubs or other sustainable travel choices

To qualify, households generally need to:

• Live within 40km of a Scottish Low Emission Zone
• Own a vehicle that does not meet LEZ standards
• Have owned the vehicle for at least 12 months
• Meet specific benefit or income-related eligibility criteria

Small businesses and sole traders may also be eligible for up to £3,000 in support, including funding to scrap a non-compliant vehicle and support cleaner transport alternatives. Eligibility includes operating within 40km of an LEZ and meeting criteria around business size and vehicle ownership.

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check the latest guidance before applying.

If you regularly travel into Dundee city centre, replacing your vehicle with a compliant model could help you avoid future restrictions.

Before changing vehicles, check the emissions standard of any replacement car to make sure it meets Dundee LEZ requirements.

You can also use Regit to check your vehicle compliance, sell your old car through Motorway and find a model that suits your needs.