Euro Emissions Standards Explained: From Euro 1 to Euro 7

Summary

• Euro 6 is the current standard: All new cars sold since 2015 (petrol) and 2014 (diesel) must meet Euro 6.
• Euro 7 is coming: Expected to apply to new cars from 2025-2026 with even stricter limits.
• Older standards affect clean air zones: Many UK cities require at least Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) to avoid charges. See our clean air zones guide.

If you live near a clean air zone or are buying a used car, understanding Euro emissions standards is essential. Here is a clear breakdown.

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What Are Euro Emissions Standards?

Euro emissions standards are regulations set by the European Union (and adopted by the UK) that limit the pollutants a vehicle can produce. They apply to all new cars and vans sold in the UK.

Each new standard is stricter than the last. The main pollutants measured are:

• NOx: Nitrogen oxides. Harmful to health and the environment.
• PM: Particulate matter. Tiny particles that damage lungs.
• CO: Carbon monoxide. Poisonous gas.
• HC: Hydrocarbons. Contribute to smog and ozone.

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Euro Standards Timeline

Standard	Applied From	Key Change
Euro 1	1993	First emissions limits. Catalytic converters required.
Euro 2	1997	Tighter limits on CO and HC.
Euro 3	2001	NOx limits introduced. OBD systems required.
Euro 4	2006	Significantly lower NOx and PM limits.
Euro 5	2011	DPF required on diesels. PM limits slashed.
Euro 6	2014-2015	Strict NOx limits. Real-world testing introduced.
Euro 7	2025-2026 (expected)	Tighter limits, includes brakes and tyres.

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Why Euro Standards Matter to You

• Clean Air Zones: Many UK cities charge older, more polluting vehicles to enter. Euro 4 petrol and Euro 6 diesel are typically the minimum.
• ULEZ: London's Ultra Low Emission Zone requires at least Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel.
• Road tax: Cars registered after April 2017 have flat-rate tax, but older cars are taxed based on emissions.
• Resale value: Cars meeting the latest standards hold value better.

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How to Check Your Car's Euro Standard

1. Check your V5C logbook. The emissions class is often listed.
2. Use the DVLA online vehicle check with your registration number.
3. Use our car history check to see your car's details.

As a general rule, use the registration date:

• Petrol from 2006: Euro 4. From 2011: Euro 5. From 2015: Euro 6.
• Diesel from 2006: Euro 4. From 2011: Euro 5. From 2014: Euro 6.

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Final Thoughts

Euro emissions standards affect what you drive, where you can drive, and how much you pay. Understanding them helps you make smarter choices when buying a car and avoids costly clean air zone charges.

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