Which cars pay
The charge applies to cars that do not meet the clean air zone emissions standard:
- Petrol cars must meet Euro 4. Most registered from 2006 do, and many from 2001.
- Diesel cars must meet Euro 6. Most registered from September 2015 do.
- Electric cars never pay, and most hybrids are compliant.
Get a quick estimate with our ULEZ and clean air zone check, which uses the same Euro 4 and Euro 6 standards, then confirm on the official GOV.UK vehicle checker.
Where the zone is
The zone covers all roads inside the A4540 Middleway ring road around Birmingham city centre. You can drive on the Middleway without paying, and signs mark every entry point. Cameras read number plates as vehicles enter and move around the zone.
How to pay
Pay online through the GOV.UK "Drive in a clean air zone" service, or by phone. You can pay up to 6 days before or 6 days after your journey. The charge covers one day, from midnight to midnight, however many times you enter.
Penalties
If you do not pay within 6 days, a penalty charge notice of £120 is sent to the registered keeper, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days, plus the £8 charge.
Exemptions
Exemptions include vehicles in the disabled tax class, historic vehicles, and some temporary exemptions for people who work in the zone or live there, on application to Birmingham City Council. Check the council's Brum Breathes website for the current list.
Other zones
Bristol charges £9 a day and London's ULEZ £12.50. See every UK zone in our clean air zones guide.
Sources
- Transport for West Midlands: Birmingham Clean Air Zone
- Brum Breathes (Birmingham City Council)
- GOV.UK: Drive in a clean air zone
Checked against official sources on 15 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm anything important on GOV.UK. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.