Apply for an exemption for a specialist vehicle.
You may be able to apply for an exemption for a specialist vehicle if the vehicle doesn't meet the zone's emission standards.
Check whether your vehicle is nationally exempt or will be charged on the online vehicle checker (GOV.UK).
Specialist vehicles are defined by their tax class. Find out about tax classes.
Apply for a Specialist Vehicle Exemption
You'll be notified of the outcome of your application within 15 working days. You're not exempt from the Clean Air Zone charge until your application is approved, so allow enough time for your application to be processed.
All exemptions are free of charge.
The Clean Air Zone is managed by cameras with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). If your exemption application is approved, the ANPR system will recognise your vehicle automatically and you don't need to display anything in your vehicle.
You'll need to apply for an exemption for each vehicle separately.
Specialist vehicles included in exemption
Tax Classes 4, 8 and 11 specialist vehicles
Tax Class 4 is for goods vehicles or locomotives used for out of the ordinary operations.
Tax Class 8 is for special vehicles which are:
- mobile cranes
- mobile pumps
- digging machines
- works trucks
- road rollers
- showman's HGVs
- showman's haulage vehicles
Tax Class 11 is for special concessionary vehicles which are:
- some agricultural machines
- mowing machines
- electrically propelled vehicles
- gritters
- snowploughs
- steam vehicles
This exemption will be valid for 12 months. You'll need to renew it after this time.
Tax Class 12 emergency vehicles
Tax Class 12 is for emergency vehicles which are:
- ambulances
- fire engines
- fire service vehicles
- mine rescue vehicles
- lifeboat haulage vehicles
- lighthouse authority vehicles
- police vehicles
This exemption will be valid for 12 months. You'll need to renew it after this time.
pdf Clean Air Zone Exemptions terms and conditions (266 KB) .