Euro Emission Standard Car Checker 2025

Euro emission standards play a pivotal role in protecting the levels of pollution in the UK and Europe. The Euro emission standards we use in the UK were set by the European Union, and these standards have now become benchmarks for many countries.

The question “What Euro is my car?” is an important one for car owners in the UK and Europe. The Euro emission standards define the maximum limits for pollutants that vehicles can emit. From the earliest Euro 1 to the current Euro 6, and beyond to the incoming Euro 7, each subsequent standard has set tighter limits, pushing car manufacturers to innovate and adopt greener technologies.

In this article, we will review details of each Euro standard, helping you understand its importance and also guide you on how to check what euro standard your car is.

How to Check Your Cars Euro Emission Standards

Here’s a short list of how to check the Euro emission standard your car complies with:

1. Check the V5C Document:
   • Look at section D.2 for the “Type Approval Number” or “Version” code, which can indicate the Euro standard.
     
     
2. Use Online Tools:
   • Enter your vehicle’s registration number on government or automotive websites that offer emission standard checks (e.g., GOV.UK’s Vehicle Enquiry service).
     
     
3. Reference the Vehicle’s Registration Date:
   • Vehicles registered after certain dates correspond to specific Euro standards (e.g., September 2015 for Euro 6).
     
     
4. Consult the Owner’s Manual:
   • The Euro emission standard may be mentioned in the vehicle’s technical specifications.
     
     
5. Contact the Manufacturer:
   • If unclear, contacting the vehicle manufacturer directly can provide definitive information.

These are the best ways to help you identify the Euro emission standard applicable to your car.

Check your car’s EURO emissions standard on your V5C registration paperwork

The emission standard can often be found on the vehicle’s registration papers.

For UK vehicles, the Euro emission standard can be located in the V5C registration certificate, in section D.2.

Where is the euro standard on a v5c?

The Euro emission standard for a vehicle is not explicitly listed as “Euro standard” on the V5C document (Vehicle Registration Certificate) in the UK. However, you can determine the Euro standard by checking the “Version” or “Type Approval Number” in section D.2 of the V5C. This code can be cross-referenced with Euro standards to identify the corresponding emission standard of the vehicle.

For vehicles registered after September 2015, this code often reflects compliance with a specific Euro standard. Additionally, section V.7 of the V5C provides the CO2 emissions figure, which can sometimes be used in conjunction with the vehicle’s registration date to infer its Euro emission standard.

Check your car’s EURO emissions standard on the Gov website

For vehicles registered in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the UK (specifically for the current London ULEZ emissions standards), you can use online platforms provided by each country to check the emission standards of your vehicle.
 
In the UK you can check your car’s EURO emissions by registration via the TFL Check Your Vehicle Page.

Check your car’s EURO emissions standard on your car door frame

The Euro emission standard might be displayed on the car door frame. Open the door and look around the door frame for a sticker, you may find this information.

Check your car’s EURO emissions standard by the age of your car

The age of a car is the easiest way to find out its Euro standard, especially for most petrol or diesel-fueled vehicles. The table below will help check the emission standard of your car:

What Euro Emissions Standard is my car?

Why do we need Euro Emission Standards?

Every vehicle that runs on fossil fuels emits a combination of gases and particles into the atmosphere. These emissions primarily include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM), among others.

Collectively, these pollutants have a profound effect on the environment. CO2, for instance, is a major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and subsequent climate change.

Vehicle emissions are also directly linked to public health issues. Prolonged exposure to pollutants can lead to a range of respiratory issues, including asthma and bronchitis.

Controlling these emissions is really important and this is where the Euro 1 to Euro 7 emission standards come into play. The Euro emission standards set clear, measurable limits on the amount and type of pollutants a vehicle can emit. By tightening these standards over time, regulators can push car makers to improve and adopt cleaner tech.

The Euro 1 to Euro 6 standard also provides local governments with a framework to regulate Clean Air Zones, using these emission standards as a means to decide which vehicles will be charged for entering the clean air zones.

What are the Euro Emissions Standards?

The Euro emissions standards, initiated by the European Union (EU) in the early 1990s, are a series of regulations that define the levels of pollutants allowed for new road vehicles sold within the EU.

These emission standards are set for various vehicle types, from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks and buses. As technology has advanced and understanding of pollutants’ impact on health and the environment has deepened, the standards have evolved:

• Euro 1 (1992): Introduced catalytic converters for petrol cars to reduce CO emissions. Limits were set at 2.72 g/km for CO and 0.97 g/km for HC+NOx for both petrol and diesel, with an additional PM limit of 0.14 g/km for diesel.
• Euro 2 (1996): Reduced CO emission limits and introduced different limits for petrol and diesel. Petrol limits were 2.2 g/km for CO and 0.5 g/km for HC+NOx, while diesel limits were 1.0 g/km for CO, 0.7 g/km for HC+NOx, and 0.08 g/km for PM.
• Euro 3 (2000): Modified testing procedures and further reduced CO and PM limits. Petrol limits were 2.3 g/km for CO, 0.20 g/km for HC, and 0.15 for NOx. Diesel limits included 0.64 g/km for CO, 0.56 g/km for HC+NOx, 0.50 g/km for NOx, and 0.05 g/km for PM.
• Euro 4 (2005): Focused on reducing emissions from diesel cars, especially PM and NOx. Petrol limits were 1.0 g/km for CO, 0.10 g/km for HC, and 0.08 for NOx. Diesel limits were 0.50 g/km for CO, 0.30 g/km for HC+NOx, 0.25 g/km for NOx, and 0.025 g/km for PM.
• Euro 5 (2009): Tightened limits on particulate emissions from diesel engines and introduced particle limits for petrol engines. Petrol limits were 1.0 g/km for CO, 0.10 g/km for HC, 0.06 g/km for NOx, and 0.005 g/km for PM (direct injection only). Diesel limits were 0.50 g/km for CO, 0.23 g/km for HC+NOx, 0.18 g/km for NOx, 0.005 g/km for PM, and 6.0×10^11/km for PM number.
• Euro 6 (2014): Imposed significant reductions in NOx emissions from diesel engines and established similar standards for petrol and diesel. Both petrol and diesel had a CO limit of 0.50 g/km, HC limit of 0.10 g/km, NOx limit of 0.06 g/km, PM limit of 0.005 g/km (direct injection only), and a PM number limit of 6.0×10^11/km. Diesel additionally had an HC+NOx limit of 0.17 g/km.
• Euro 7 (2025): Coming soon to a car showroom near you! The most up-to-date and stringent standards, Euro 7 will focus on all vehicle emissions, including brakes and tyres, with enhanced testing and battery longevity.

In order to meet these standards vehicles have to undergo rigorous testing in controlled environments.

The influence of the Euro standards can be seen far beyond Europe. Given how well they tackle pollution control, a lot of countries outside the EU have adopted or adapted the same emission standards, including the USA and Japan.

With the age of Electric Vehicles upon us, the EU has been busy preparing the anticipated Euro 7.

What is the Euro 7 Emission Standard and when it be introduced?

The Euro 7 emission standard will be introduced on 1 July 2025.

This new standard will be the strictest to date, implementing the lowest limits from the previous Euro 6 across all new petrol and diesel cars.

From 2025 onwards, all new cars sold must emit no more than 60 milligrams of NOx to be compliant. Euro 7 is also set to introduce emission limits on brakes and tyres to reduce the release of brake dust and tyre particulates.

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will see their batteries assessed for longevity, ensuring higher standards for used EV batteries. Also, all vehicles, including petrol and diesel, will be monitored for sustained cleanliness, with electronic sensors fitted to track factors like wear and tear, exhaust filters, and engine conditions. 

The monitoring duration has been extended to 10 years and 200,000km, up from the previous 5 years and 100,000km.

Is Euro 5 ULEZ compliant?

The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) standards were implemented in London to reduce pollution levels and promote better air quality. For diesel vehicles to be compliant within these zones, they must meet at least the Euro 6 emissions standards.

• Euro 5 Diesel Vehicles and ULEZ
  These vehicles are not compliant with ULEZ standards. If you drive a Euro 5 diesel vehicle in a ULEZ, you’ll typically be required to pay a daily charge. This charge can be significant and is meant to discourage the use of higher-polluting vehicles within the zone.
  
  
• Euro 5 Petrol Vehicles and ULEZ
  For petrol cars, the ULEZ standards are more lenient. Cars that meet Euro 4 and above are ULEZ compliant. Therefore,  Euro 5 petrol cars are compliant and won’t attract a ULEZ charge.

Is Euro 6 ULEZ compliant?

Euro 6 is the most stringent emissions standard to date for vehicles. It placed a significant focus on diesel vehicles, bringing their Nitrogen Oxide limits closer to those of petrol vehicles.

• Euro 6 Diesel Vehicles and ULEZ
  These vehicles are compliant with ULEZ standards. If your diesel vehicle meets the Euro 6 emissions standards, you can drive within a ULEZ without having to pay daily charges.
  
  
• Euro 6 Petrol Vehicles and ULEZ
  As mentioned above, petrol vehicles that meet the Euro 4 standard and above are ULEZ compliant. This means that Euro 6 petrol vehicles are, of course, ULEZ compliant.

Why Emission Standards Matter

Understanding your vehicle’s Euro emission standard is crucial, as it directly impacts costs and accessibility in various areas:

• Road Tax: Vehicles with higher emissions often attract higher road tax rates. Lower-emission vehicles may qualify for reduced rates or even exemptions, providing a financial incentive for compliance.
  
  
• Congestion Charges and LEZ/ULEZ Access: Many UK cities, including London, have introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZs) or Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs) to combat air pollution. Non-compliant vehicles face daily charges for entering these areas. Meeting Euro 6 standards or higher typically ensures exemption from these fees.
  
  
• Business Benefits: For businesses, particularly those managing fleets, understanding emission standards can lead to significant savings. Compliant vehicles reduce operational costs by avoiding fines or additional charges in restricted zones. Moreover, investing in Euro-compliant vehicles demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which can enhance brand reputation.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Euro Standards

Failing to meet the required Euro emission standards can lead to substantial penalties:

• Fines and Daily Charges: In cities like London, non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day for entering ULEZs, with heavier vehicles incurring even higher fees. Birmingham and Bath have similar Clean Air Zones (CAZs) with strict enforcement.
  
• Increased Costs for Frequent Travel: For commuters or businesses that regularly operate in these zones, penalties can quickly add up, making compliance essential to avoid unnecessary expenses.
  
• Strict Enforcement: UK cities are increasingly adopting automated systems to monitor compliance, using cameras to identify vehicles that fail to meet the required standards. This ensures that non-compliant drivers are consistently penalized.

How Euro Emission Standards Affect Resale Value

Euro emission standards significantly influence the resale market for vehicles:

• Demand for Compliant Vehicles: As cities enforce stricter emission rules, the demand for Euro 6 and above vehicles is increasing. Buyers are more likely to invest in compliant cars to avoid additional costs and restrictions.
• Depreciation of Non-Compliant Vehicles: Older petrol and diesel vehicles that fail to meet current standards often see faster depreciation. Their resale value decreases as they become less desirable for buyers who prioritize cost savings and compliance.
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Advantage: Hybrid and electric vehicles, which typically meet or exceed the latest standards, tend to hold their value better. They are often seen as future-proof investments due to their lower environmental impact.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers:

• For Buyers: Verify the vehicle’s Euro emission standard before purchasing. Consider the long-term costs of owning a non-compliant vehicle, especially if you regularly travel into restricted zones.
• For Sellers: Highlight the emission standard of your vehicle in listings. If your car meets Euro 6 or higher, emphasize its compliance with LEZ/ULEZ regulations to attract environmentally-conscious buyers.

John Ellmore

John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.

With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.

John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.