Ultra low emission vehicles

ULEV requirements for taxis and private hire vehicles, including wheelchair accessible vehicles.

All taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire saloon vehicles must our meet ultra low emissions vehicle (ULEV) specifications.

A ULEV is classed as a vehicle which has less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km) from its exhaust pipe.

Read our ULEV specification policy in the taxi and private hire licensing handbook.

As and when the Vehicle Certification Agency replace the required (g/km) level, our policy will match the latest national requirements.

If you own a licensed wheelchair accessible taxi

You will be required to replace your non ULEV wheelchair accessible taxi with a ULEV vehicle (wheelchair accessible or saloon) by 31 March 2026, or when the vehicle reaches 15 years old – whichever date is soonest.

All wheelchair accessible taxis must be ULEV or electric from 31 March 2026.

Read the definition of wheelchair accessible in appendix M of the taxi and private hire licensing handbook.

Check a vehicle’s CO2 emissions

Check if a vehicle is taxed and has an MOT – GOV.UK