Bristol CAZ Checker
Check whether your vehicle may be charged in Bristol’s Clean Air Zone.
Check Your Vehicle
Enter the registration and select the correct vehicle type. Always confirm the final result through the official service.
Check whether your vehicle may need to pay
Enter a UK registration, choose the zone and select how the vehicle is registered or used.
About This Clean Air Zone
Bristol uses a Class D zone and can charge non-compliant private cars as well as commercial vehicles.
Who may be charged?
Cars, taxis, light goods vehicles, buses, coaches and HGVs can be charged. Motorcycles are not charged.
Before you travel
- Check the registration and vehicle category.
- Check the official boundary map.
- Review exemptions before paying.
- Pay only through the official service.
Official information
Rules, charges and exemptions may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bristol have a Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?
Bristol has a Class D Clean Air Zone (CAZ) that applies to parts of the city centre. It was intended to improve air quality by reducing emissions from older, more polluting vehicles. Vehicles that do not meet the required emissions standards are charged only if they are not eligible for an exemption.
What vehicles are charged in the Bristol CAZ?
which may be charged for non-compliance are:
• Private cars and private vans
• Private Hire Vehicles and Taxis
• Light Goods Vehicles (LGV) & Vans
• Heavy goods vehicle (HGV)
• Buses Coaches
Motorcycles are free of charge. Vehicles that meet the necessary emissions standards can enter the zone free of charge.
Do private cars pay the Bristol CAZ charge?
Yes, some private cars may incur charges. If your petrol or diesel car doesn’t meet the required emissions standards and is not exempt then you’ll need to pay the daily charge for the Bristol CAZ. Many of the newer petrol, diesel, electric and hydrogen vehicles are not charging.
How much does the Bristol CAZ cost?
Daily charges for non-compliant vehicles are:
Vehicle Daily Charge
Private cars £9
Taxis £9
Vans (LGVs) £9
HGVs £100
Buses £100
Coaches £100
Charges apply once per vehicle per calendar day, even if you enter the zone multiple times.
How can I check if my vehicle must pay the Bristol CAZ charge?
Official UK Clean Air Zone vehicle checker – Enter your vehicle registration. The service will inform you if your vehicle is chargeable prior to travelling
The best way to avoid unexpected charges is to use the official checker.
How do I pay the Bristol CAZ charge?
If your vehicle is chargeable, you can pay using the official UK Government Clean Air Zone payment service.
You can normally pay:
• Up to 6 days before travel
• On the day of travel
• Up to 6 days after entering the zone
Always use the official payment service to avoid scam.
What happens if I don’t pay the Bristol CAZ charge?
If you do not pay a chargeable amount within the payment window, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in addition to the original daily charge.
PCN can be reduced if paid within the discount period stated on the notice.
What vehicles are exempt from Bristol CAZ?
National exemptions are:
• Historical Vehicles
• Military cars
• Tax Class Vehicles for the Disabled
• Specific agricultural machinery
• Vehicles accredited through the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation • Scheme (CVRAS)
• Ultra low emission vehicles as applicable
Bristol also allows some local exemptions for eligible categories of vehicles and circumstances.
When did the Bristol Clean Air Zone start?
Bristol’s Clean Air Zone launched 28 November 2022 and has been operating since then.
What are the Bristol CAZ operating hours?
Bristol Clean Air Zone now open:
• 24 hours a day 7 days a week
• 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Charges are in effect from midnight to midnight. If you drive in the zone over two calendar days, you might be charged two daily fees.