Do you need to tell TfL if you sell a car to avoid future ULEZ charges?
A friend received a penalty charge notice of £100 for non-payment of a ULEZ charge despite selling their car over a year ago and TfL say they are still liable because the account is still in their name. They have evidence that the car is no longer theirs and am sure it was an oversight that they forgot to change the car registration details on their auto-pay account.
What would you advise? I have suggested they do not pay the charge at the moment as it would be more difficult for them to get a refund if they try to contest it after paying.
What would you advise? I have suggested they do not pay the charge at the moment as it would be more difficult for them to get a refund if they try to contest it after paying.
Asked on 6 October 2025 by Neil Littman
Answered by
David Ross
It is possible to appeal a Penalty Charge Notice either in writing or online, and there is information about this process here - tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/c...e
When issuing PCNs TfL and councils will use information held by the DVLA to send penalties to the registered keeper. In order to successfully challenge the penalty your friend will need to send evidence that supports that they were not the registered keeper at the time of the offence. It is important to note that it is a legal requirement to notify the DVLA of a change of ownership so if this has not been done, even if the vehicle was sold, they will still be liable for the penalty.
When issuing PCNs TfL and councils will use information held by the DVLA to send penalties to the registered keeper. In order to successfully challenge the penalty your friend will need to send evidence that supports that they were not the registered keeper at the time of the offence. It is important to note that it is a legal requirement to notify the DVLA of a change of ownership so if this has not been done, even if the vehicle was sold, they will still be liable for the penalty.
Will you have to pay the low emissions charge?
Use our ULEZ checker to find out if your vehicle is subject to ULEZ charges. Simply enter your number plate into the Honest John ULEZ checker to see if you will have to pay to enter the London Ultra Low Emission Zone.
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