Motorbikes make up around 8% of all vehicles crossing into central London, but how many riders know which charges actually apply?
Although motorcycles are exempt from the Congestion Charge, that doesn’t mean you’re always in the clear. Depending on your route and your bike’s emissions, you could still be hit with other fees, like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge.
What is the congestion charge?
Driving through central London during peak hours usually comes with a fee. This is known as the Congestion Charge, which was introduced to ease traffic and improve air quality in the city’s busiest areas. Most vehicles have to pay it, including cars, vans and lorries.
The zone covers central boroughs like Westminster, the City of London, and parts of Camden, Lambeth and Southwark. Signs are clearly displayed around the boundary, so it’s easy to know when you’re entering the zone.
Charges apply from 07:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and from 12:00 to 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays. There’s no charge at all between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (inclusive).
As of April 2025, the daily charge is £15. If you’re heading into the zone regularly, Auto Pay might be a better option, as it bills you monthly and helps avoid penalties.
Do motorbikes pay congestion charge?
No, motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from the London Congestion Charge. This applies to all two-wheeled motorbikes, including scooters and mopeds, so you won’t need to pay the £15 daily fee when riding through the zone.
However, there are some exceptions. Larger motor tricycles, such as those over 2 metres long and 1 metre wide, are treated as cars or vans under the current rules. These vehicles aren’t exempt and will need to pay the Congestion Charge if used during charging hours.
If you ride a smaller motor tricycle that falls below those size limits, you may still qualify for an exemption. However, you’ll need to register your vehicle with Transport for London to make sure the exemption applies. Without registration, you could still be charged automatically.
You can check vehicle dimensions and apply for an exemption directly through the TfL website.
Do motorbikes have to pay in low-emission zones or ultra-low emission zones?
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) are separate from the Congestion Charge. They’re designed to reduce pollution rather than traffic. Unlike the Congestion Charge, there are no set time frames—they apply 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Motorbikes generally don’t need to pay any charges in LEZ areas. However, the rules are different in the ULEZ. If your motorcycle doesn’t meet the required Euro 3 emissions standard for NOx (nitrogen oxides), you’ll need to pay the daily ULEZ charge, which is currently set at £12.50.
The amount you pay isn’t affected by engine size or vehicle type, but by whether your bike meets the emissions standard. Most motorcycles registered after July 2007 will be compliant, but older models may not be. You can check your vehicle using TfL’s number plate checker to see if a charge applies.
If your bike isn’t compliant, the ULEZ charge applies every day you ride within the zone, even on weekends and bank holidays.
Other areas you may have to pay a fee
London isn’t the only place in the UK with emissions-based charges. Several cities have introduced Clean Air Zones (CAZ) to improve air quality, and while motorcycles are often exempt, it’s important to check the rules before you ride.
For example, Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone covers the city centre within the A4540 Middleway ring road and operates 24/7. As of April 2025, motorcycles are fully exempt from the charge, regardless of their emissions rating. No registration is required for the exemption.
Other cities have also introduced similar zones, including Bath, Bradford, Portsmouth, and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead). Each has its own rules on whether motorbikes are charged, so it’s important to check before you set off. Refer to your local council’s website or the national Clean Air Zone checker to see if your bike meets the emissions requirements for a specific area.
Stay protected where you travel with specialist motorbike insurance from Devitt
Most motorcycles are exempt from the Congestion Charge and many low-emission zones, but there are exceptions, so it’s always worth checking before you ride. There are many other things to consider before you hit the road too, including insurance. Whether you’re commuting through the city or heading further afield, motorbike insurance can help keep you covered for every mile.
At Devitt, we’ve been arranging motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936. Our range of specialist policies is designed to suit all types of motorcyclists, from daily commuters to weekend riders.
We can offer cover for classic bikes, custom builds, scooters, superbikes and more, plus optional extras like breakdown cover, legal expenses and helmet and leathers protection. Call us on 0808 503 4747 or fill in our online form to get an instant quote.
The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Devitt Insurance Services Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.