Euro Emissions Standards Explained: Find Out Which Category Your Vehicle Belongs To
In 1992, the EU set minimum exhaust emission standards for new cars to enhance air quality. Several revisions to Euro emissions standards have reduced car exhaust pollutants since then.
These standards only restrict exhaust emissions, not brake and tire particle matter, as of 2024. Euro 7 standards, which will apply to all new cars, should address such emissions.
Euro 6 is the latest active exhaust emissions standard for new vehicles. Since 2014, Euro 6 has had four variants, with Euro 6d being obligatory for new cars in January 2021. Diesel cars entering many low-emission zones, including London's Ultra Low Emission Zone, must meet Euro 6 standards. You can perform a car details check or use a ULEZ checker to verify if your vehicle is compliant.
What Are Euro Emissions Standards and How Do They Work?
EU emissions standards restrict hazardous pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from cars. All new light-duty cars sold in EU and EEA member states must meet these requirements, which will be mandatory over time to support environmental and public health goals.
Transport accounts for 28% of total CO₂ emissions in the UK. Euro emissions standards regulate car exhaust emissions to lower this value. A car specs by reg lookup tool can help confirm your vehicle's compliance.
Before Euro 1, emissions regulation in Europe dated back to the 1970s. This milestone standardised fuel injection systems and required catalytic converters on all new cars.
Since then, Euro emission standards have been mandated. Euro 6 became the norm for new model approvals in September 2014 and covered most new vehicle sales and registrations by September 2015.
Why Were Euro Standards Introduced for Vehicle Emissions?
Transport emissions, together with those from industry and power generation, severely damage European air quality, according to the EU.
Euro emissions standards target these pollutants to minimise vehicle exhaust emissions:
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Hydrocarbons (HC)
- Particulate matter (PM)
Positive results have come from these standards. It would take 50 new vehicles today to create the same polluting emissions as a single 1970s vehicle, according to the SMMT.
The SMMT cited 2017 car emission reductions to support this:
- Since 1993, CO emissions have decreased by 63% in petrol cars and 82% in diesel vehicles.
- Hydrocarbons (HC): 50% reduction in petrol automobiles since 2001.
- The reduction in NOx has been 84% since 2001.
- Diesel vehicle PM particle count decreased by 96% since 1993.
Petrol and diesel engines have different emission profiles; hence, they have different regulations. Diesel engines generate soot, which led to the development of diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
Real-world NOx emissions from road transport—particularly diesel vehicles—have not fallen as much as laboratory experiments indicated, the EU has noted. This difference occurs because type-approval emissions seldom match driving emissions.
Transport accounts for 33% of total CO₂ emissions, with road transport being the main source, according to 2018 statistics from the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Fortunately, BEIS says that road transport emissions have dropped 8.5% over the previous decade, reverting to 1990 levels after peaking in 2007.
How to Check Your Vehicle's Euro Emissions Rating
Review your V5C logbook for your vehicle's Euro emissions rating. This official document mentions the Euro norm under 'Exhaust Emissions' at the bottom of page two. This certifies your automobile or van's official emissions categorisation.
The UK Government's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) checker may also validate your vehicle's emissions. This free tool will tell you whether your car is subject to daily charges in Clean Air Zones by entering your registration number.
Vehicles sold one year following the implementation date usually meet Euro standards. Check with your vehicle manufacturer since some automobiles registered after a standard's release may still comply.
You can also perform a car age check if you're unsure whether your vehicle falls under a specific Euro category. If your car predates the first Euro standard, it probably does not qualify. Thus, certain cities or towns may limit or prohibit it at particular times.
Why Knowing Your Vehicle's Euro Standard Matters
Euro emissions regulations are crucial to the government's Road to Zero goal of zero-emission road travel for UK drivers. This proposal limits the sale of new petrol and diesel automobiles by 2035 and phases out all non-zero-emission vehicles by 2050.
Many UK local governments have implemented low-emission zones as part of this approach. These measures follow London's April 2019 Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which enforced emissions rules.
Other cities with comparable zones include Birmingham, Oxford, Bristol, Bath, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Newcastle. These zones now target business vehicles more than individual automobiles, although this may change as regulations become stricter.
Clean air zones have also accelerated the switch to electric cars (EVs), encouraging more drivers to become zero-emission and growing the UK EV industry.
What Is the Required Emissions Standard for London's ULEZ?
Euro emissions requirements limit vehicle entry in London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Non-standard vehicles must pay a daily fee to drive in the zone.
Minimum emissions requirements:
- Euro 4 for petrol vehicles
- Euro 6 for diesel vehicles
Noncompliant vehicles pay £12.50 per day for ULEZ.
In August 2023, the ULEZ extended outside downtown London. It currently serves all London boroughs and much of Greater London.
Transport for London's official ULEZ guide will tell you whether your car is impacted and what fees apply.
What Are the Euro Emissions Rules in France?
Many European towns and regions have low-emission zones based on Euro emissions standards, so knowing your vehicle's grade is crucial.
Crit'Air, a multi-tiered categorisation system in France, provides automobiles with a coloured and numbered sticker on the windscreen based on their emissions level.
Paris has permanent low-emission zones that prohibit higher-polluting cars during weekdays. These strategies minimise urban traffic-related air pollution.
High air pollution levels might trigger temporary emergency zones in addition to permanent zones. Until air quality improves, only cleaner cars with Crit'Air stickers may enter.
What Will Euro 7 Emission Standards Mean for Drivers?
The European Parliament has adopted Euro 7, a new exhaust emissions standard that would overhaul automobile emissions standards. For the first time, Euro 7 will contain EV specifications.
Key Euro 7 Features:
- Non-Exhaust Emissions Regulation: European rules will address non-exhaust emissions, including brake dust and tire particle pollution, which cause air pollution, for the first time.
- Enhanced Real-World Testing: To simulate real-world use, emissions testing will include different temperatures and short-trip driving situations.
- Extended Compliance Requirements: Vehicles must meet Euro 7 standards for 10 years or 124,000 miles (200,000 km), extending emissions control system life.
- Battery Performance Testing for EVs: New battery lifetime and performance tests will ensure electric and plug-in hybrids fulfil environmental regulations throughout their life cycle.
Euro 7's stricter exhaust emission goals were softened throughout the legislative process owing to technological feasibility and manufacturer concerns. Euro 7 is a big step towards realistic and comprehensive European automotive emissions requirements.
Understanding Euro 6 and Euro 6 Diesel Regulations
Euro 6 cars must fulfil strict NOx emission limits:
- Diesel vehicles: Maximum 0.08g/km NOx
- Maximum NOx emission: 0.06g/km for petrol cars.
Manufacturers use modern emissions control systems to meet these regulations.
Emissions Control Technologies for Euro 6 Compliance:
- SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction): SCR injection of AdBlue into the exhaust system is common in diesel engines. This chemical process turns nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water vapour, which the exhaust pipe releases.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): As an alternative, EGR recycles exhaust gases into the engine's air intake to minimise NOx emissions. Lower combustion temperatures decrease NOx generation. The ECU controls the procedure depending on engine load and speed.
Euro 6 Implementation Timeline:
• New type approvals commencing September 1 2014.
• From September 1 2015, the most new car registrations occurred.
Breaking Down Euro 5 Vehicle Emission Standards
Euro 5 emissions standards require cars to fulfil certain NOx limits:
- Diesel cars must have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and emit no more than 0.18g/km of NOx.
- Maximum NOx emission: 0.06g/km for petrol cars.
Diesel cars have to satisfy stricter particulate limits starting with type approvals in September 2011 and all new car registrations in January 2013. Thus, all new diesel cars have DPFs, which catch up to 99% of particulate matter. Euro 5 vehicles emit around one grain of sand each km.
Euro 5 and ULEZ Compliance:
Depending on emissions, certain Euro 5 cars may be free from the daily fee in London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Euro 5 cars are modest emitters; however, diesel vehicles that do not satisfy Euro 6 NOx must pay the £12.50 daily ULEZ tax.
Euro 5 Implementation Timeline:
- New type approvals began on September 1, 2009.
- The new car registrations began on January 1, 2011.
Know About Euro 4 (EC2005) Limits
Vehicles must meet certain NOx thresholds to meet Euro 4 emissions standards:
- Diesel vehicles: Maximum 0.25g/km NOx
- Maximum NOx emission: 0.08g/km for petrol cars.
The Euro 4 standard mandated emissions limits to lessen vehicle transport environmental effect. It became essential for:
- New type approvals: Starting January 1 2005
- he registration of new vehicles began on January 1, 2006.
These restrictions were mandatory for all new EU-sold cars and reduced hazardous emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles.
Euro 3 (EC2000): Emission Levels and Vehicle Types
Euro 3 made numerous major adjustments to increase car emissions testing accuracy and efficacy.
The separation of hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) limitations for petrol and diesel engines was a significant change. For the first time, diesel vehicles had an NOx limit.
By eliminating the warm-up phase, the emissions test process was more realistic and recorded emissions from a cold start.
Euro 3 Implementation Timeline:
- The new type approvals began on January 1, 2000.
- he registration of new vehicles began on January 1, 2001.
These changes pushed emission standards to reduce pollutants more efficiently across more operating circumstances.
Euro 2 (EC96) Standard:
The Euro 2 emissions standard imposes stricter car pollutant limitations, further reducing road transport air pollution in the EU.
Key Euro 2 changes:
- Lower carbon monoxide limits
- Reduced limits for unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
- Separate emissions criteria for petrol and diesel engines to account for their distinct emission characteristics.
Euro 2 Implementation Timeline:
- New type approvals beginning January 1, 1996.
- Starting from January 1, 1997, all new car registrations
These changes raised emission limits and adapted regulations to engine types to enhance air quality.
A Look Back at Euro 1 (EC93) Vehicle Emissions Rules
In July 1992, Euro 1 became Europe's first Euro emissions standard. While not as strict as today's requirements, it was a major stride in EU automobile emissions regulation.
Key Euro 1 requirements:
- New automobiles must have catalytic converters installed.
- Transitioning to unleaded fuel
- Testing for hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), including particulate matter (PM) for diesel engines.
Euro 1, though simple today, set the framework for future standards. Tougher emission limitations have improved air quality and reduced environmental impact as standards have increased.
Euro 1 Implementation Timeline:
- New type approvals beginning July 1, 1992
- From December 31 1992, all new car registrations
What's Next for Euro Emissions Standards in the UK and EU?
Euro emissions standards have decreased car emissions, but the 'Dieselgate' incident showed that problems persist. The event, in which some manufacturers forged emissions tests to look compliant, highlighted testing framework shortcomings and the need for increased transparency and accountability.
The EU responded with the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test in 2017. RDE evaluates vehicle emissions on the road, unlike lab testing. This method tries to close the gap between real-world emissions and controlled test emissions, improving vehicle environmental effect assessments.
Do Euro Emissions Standards Impact Your MOT Test?
The UK Government states, "You can't get a MOT certificate if your vehicle's exhaust emissions are too high."
In May 2018, revised laws increased MOT emissions criteria, especially for diesel automobiles.
Major changes include:
- Cars with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), necessary for Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel cars, will fail the MOT if they generate visible smoke of any colour during testing.
- The vehicle will fail the MOT if the tester finds any DPF tampering, removal, or modification.
These techniques enforce emissions standards and guarantee emissions control systems work throughout the vehicle's life.
Motorcycle Euro Emission Categories: What You Need to Know
Motorcycle Euro emissions requirements have changed less than car standards throughout time. This is because motorbikes emit less than cars and larger vehicles.
Since the 2020 European Commission update, Euro 5 applies to two- and three-wheeled vehicles.
Motorcycle emissions standards are more complicated to establish than for vehicles, owing to the various kinds and classifications, and varied testing and regulatory deadlines.
Are There Penalties for Not Meeting Euro Standards?
In the UK, car emission requirements and fines closely coincide with EU standards, notably for new vehicle CO₂ emissions. A clear overview of current criteria follows:
- Passenger Cars: The CO₂ emission limit for new vehicles is 95 g/km.
- Vans: New vans must meet the 147 g CO₂/km emission limit.
Manufacturers with vehicles beyond these restrictions face hefty fines. Fines of €95 (roughly £80) are charged per car sold for each gramme of CO₂ exceeding the limit. If applied to all cars sold by a company, these penalties might reach millions or billions of euros, depending on emissions.
Petrol Car Emissions: Euro Standards Comparison Table
| Standard | Date of First Registration in the EU | CO (Carbon Monoxide)(g/km) | HC (Hydrocarbons)(g/km) | NOx (Nitrogen Oxides)(g/km) | HC + NOx(g/km) | PM (Particulate Mass)(g/km) | PN (Particle Number)(particles/km) | |
| Euro 1 | 31 December 1992 | 2.72 (3.16)* | – | – | 0.97 (1.13)* | – | – | |
| Euro 2 | 1 January 1997 | 2.20 | – | – | 0.50 | – | - | |
| Euro 3 | 1 January 2001 | 2.30 | 0.20 | 0.15 | - | - | - | |
| Euro 4 | 1 January 2006 | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.08 | - | - | - | |
| Euro 5 | 1 January 2011 | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.06 | - | 0.005 | - | |
| Euro 6 | 1 September 2015 | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.06 | - | 0.005 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ | |
| Euro 6c | 1 September 2018 | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.06 | - | 0.0045 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ | |
| Euro 6d-TEMP | 1 September 2019 | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.06 | - | 0.0045 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ | |
| Euro 6d | 1 September 2021 | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.06 | - | 0.0045 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ |
Diesel Car Emissions: Euro Standards Comparison Table
| Standard | Effective Date (EU) | CO (g/km) | HC (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | HC+NOx (g/km) | PM (g/km) | PN (particles/km) |
| Euro 1 | 1 January 1993 | 2.72 (3.16) | - | - | 0.97 (1.13) | 0.14 (0.18) | - |
| Euro 2 | 1 January 1997 | 1.00 | - | - | 0.70 | 0.08 | - |
| Euro 3 | 1 January 2001 | 0.66 | - | 0.50 | 0.56 | 0.05 | - |
| Euro 4 | 1 January 2006 | 0.50 | - | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.025 | - |
| Euro 5 | 1 January 2011 | 0.50 | - | 0.18 | 0.23 | 0.005 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ |
| Euro 6 | 1 September 2015 | 0.50 | - | 0.08 | 0.17 | 0.005 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ |
| Euro 6c | 1 September 2018 | 0.50 | - | 0.08 | 0.17 | 0.005 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ |
| Euro 6d-TEMP | 1 September 2019 | 0.50 | - | 0.08 | 0.17 | 0.005 | 6.0 × 10¹¹ |
