If you own, or are thinking of buying a campervan, understanding What Vans Are ULEZ Compliant is more important than ever. With ULEZ schemes now enforced in London and expanding to other cities across the UK, non-compliant campervans can face hefty daily charges.
In this guide, we’ll explore what ULEZ compliance means, how to check your campervan’s status, and which types of vans and conversions are likely to meet the criteria.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information for UK campervan owners. ULEZ regulations and vehicle compliance can change, so please check the official Transport for London (TfL) website or your local authority for the latest details. We are not responsible for any losses resulting from the use of this information.
What Is ULEZ and Why It Matters to Campervan Owners
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a clean air initiative designed to reduce harmful vehicle emissions in city centres. It currently operates in Greater London, with other UK cities like Birmingham and Manchester planning or running similar zones. ULEZ schemes target older, more polluting vehicles — and that includes many traditional campervans.
If your campervan does not meet ULEZ standards, you could face a daily charge of £12.50 when entering the zone. For those who love road-tripping or frequently visit city campsites, these charges can add up fast. Ensuring your campervan is ULEZ compliant is vital for saving money and avoiding penalties, not to mention reducing your environmental footprint.
ULEZ Emission Standards: What Your Campervan Needs to Comply
For a campervan to be ULEZ compliant, it must meet specific Euro emissions standards. These are:
- Euro 4 for petrol vehicles (generally vehicles registered after January 2006)
- Euro 6 for diesel vehicles (typically those registered after September 2015)
Most campervans fall into the diesel category, meaning they must meet the Euro 6 standard. This affects many popular base vans used for conversions like the VW Transporter, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Peugeot Boxer.
Note that even if your campervan is relatively modern, it might not be compliant if the base vehicle’s registration date is before the required cutoff. Always verify compliance using the number plate.
How to Check If Your Campervan Is ULEZ Compliant
Checking your campervan’s ULEZ compliance is straightforward. There are ULEZ vehicle checker tools online where you can enter your campervan’s number plate. This tool will tell you instantly whether your vehicle is compliant.
Alternatively, you can check your vehicle’s logbook (V5C) for its Euro emissions standard. If you’re unsure, the date of first registration can give you a rough idea — but remember that not all vehicles registered after 2015 are guaranteed to be Euro 6.
ULEZ zones may also affect motorhomes and campervan conversions differently, depending on their DVLA classification, so double-check even if your van is listed as a ‘motor caravan.’
Which Vans Are ULEZ Compliant in the UK?
Several vans frequently used as campervan bases are ULEZ compliant, especially newer models. Here are some of the most common compliant options:
- VW Transporter T6 and T6.1 (post-2015) – Euro 6 diesel models are compliant, widely used for camper conversions.
- Ford Transit Custom (post-2016) – Modern models meet Euro 6 standards.
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (post-2016) – Long-wheelbase versions are popular for larger camper builds.
- Peugeot Boxer / Citroën Relay / Fiat Ducato (post-2016) – These share the same platform and many Euro 6 engines.
If you’re buying a campervan or converting one, ensure the base van is a Euro 6 model to stay ULEZ compliant.
Buying a ULEZ Compliant Campervan: What to Look For
When buying a campervan with ULEZ compliance in mind, check the following:
- Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4+ petrol engine
- Registration date (post-September 2015 for diesel)
- ULEZ status via the TfL checker
- MOT emissions results (for an idea of actual output)
Ask sellers or dealers directly if the van is ULEZ compliant — and verify for yourself. Some older vans may have had engine upgrades or retrofits, but these are rare and require certification.
Also, consider whether the DVLA classifies the van as a ‘motor caravan’ or just a ‘van,’ as this can sometimes influence how emissions are assessed by authorities.
ULEZ-Compliant Petrol vs Diesel Campervans
Petrol vans can be a good option for ULEZ compliance because they only need to meet Euro 4 (2006+) standards. However, most campervans in the UK are diesel due to better torque and fuel economy.
ULEZ-compliant diesel campervans must meet the more stringent Euro 6 standard. While newer diesel campervans often comply, many beloved older models — including classic VW campers and early T5s — do not.
For those considering long-term ULEZ access, modern diesel vans offer a balance between performance and compliance. However, petrol campervans may still be worth considering for lighter builds or city-focused use.
Retrofitting Campervans for ULEZ Compliance: Is It Worth It?
Retrofitting a campervan to meet ULEZ standards usually involves installing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or replacing the engine altogether. However, this process can be costly, technically complex, and not always approved by authorities.
For a retrofit to be recognised, it must be certified by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS). Very few campervan models have CVRAS-approved retrofit options, making this route unviable for most owners.
In most cases, it’s more practical to upgrade to a newer, compliant van rather than investing in a retrofit. That said, for classic campervans with sentimental value, retrofitting may be worth exploring.
Campervan Conversions and ULEZ Compliance
If you’re converting a van into a campervan, start with a ULEZ-compliant base vehicle. This is the simplest way to ensure your finished campervan meets the rules. Be cautious of bargain base vans from before 2015 — these are often not Euro 6 compliant.
You should also inform the DVLA of the vehicle’s conversion status and aim for it to be reclassified as a ‘motor caravan’ if possible. While this doesn’t affect emissions directly, it can impact insurance, tax, and legality.
Always confirm the base van’s Euro standard before committing to a conversion project.
ULEZ and Classic or Older Campervans: What Are Your Options?
If you own a classic campervan, such as a VW T2 or T3, it’s unlikely to be ULEZ compliant. Fortunately, there are a few options:
- Historic vehicle exemption: If your campervan is over 40 years old and registered as a historic vehicle, it may be exempt from ULEZ charges.
- Avoid ULEZ zones: Plan your trips to avoid cities with clean air zones.
- Store a compliant vehicle for city trips: Some owners keep a small, ULEZ-friendly car for city use.
Unfortunately, most older diesels — even beloved camper conversions — will not pass the Euro 6 threshold.
Cities with ULEZ or Clean Air Zones to Watch
While London’s ULEZ is the most well-known, other UK cities are implementing Clean Air Zones (CAZ) or Low Emission Zones (LEZ). These include:
- Birmingham (Class D Clean Air Zone)
- Bath (Class C zone)
- Bristol
- Portsmouth
- Sheffield
- Manchester (proposals ongoing)
Each city may have different rules and vehicle classes affected, so it’s crucial for campervan owners to check local council websites before planning a trip.
What Vans Are ULEZ Compliant? In Summary
ULEZ rules are reshaping the campervan landscape in the UK. Whether you’re an avid road tripper or an occasional weekend explorer, knowing your campervan’s emissions status is vital.
To stay compliant and avoid daily charges:
- Choose a Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4+ petrol van
- Use the TfL vehicle checker before travelling into ULEZ zones
- Consider upgrading to a modern base van for future-proofing
For many UK campervan owners, ULEZ compliance means freedom to roam without limits. Choosing the right vehicle today ensures unrestricted adventures tomorrow.
