What is the London Congestion Charge?

The London Congestion Charge is a fee for driving in central London’s congestion zone. Its purpose is to reduce traffic, ease congestion, and encourage the use of public transport.

Important: You are responsible for registering your rental vehicle. SIXT does not register it for you.

When does the congestion charge apply?

The charge applies every day from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, except on Christmas Day (25th December).

How do I know when I need to pay?

You’ll see white signs with a red circle and a ‘C’ marking the start of the zone. Another sign indicates when you are leaving the zone.

More information about the signs: TfL Congestion Zone Signs

How does the congestion charge work?

• There are no barriers or toll booths.
• You pay by registering your Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) with Transport for London.
• Cameras record your vehicle as you enter, leave, or drive in the zone and check against the payment/exemption database.
• Once matched, vehicle images are automatically deleted from the database.

Do SIXT register vehicles in the congestion zone?

No. Even if the vehicle is delivered in the zone, it is your responsibility to register it. Vehicles must be registered each day they are driven in the zone.

When do I have to register?

You must pay by midnight on the third charging day after driving in the zone.

How can I register and pay?

The quickest way is online via Transport for London. Other options include:

• Auto Pay
• SMS
• Phone
• Automated telephone service
• Post

Full details: TfL Congestion Charge

Who do I contact to register?

• UK: 0343 222 2222
• International: +44 343 222 2222
• Textphone: 0207 649 9123
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 08:00–22:00

How many times do I have to pay per day?

You only pay once per day, regardless of how often you enter or exit the zone.

What happens if I fail to pay?

• A PCN will be issued if the charge is not paid by the third day.
• SIXT will pay the fine to avoid late fees and then invoice you for the fine plus an administration fee.

What is a PCN?

A Penalty Charge Notice is issued when a driver fails to register or pay within the deadline.

More information: TfL Congestion Charge

Does SIXT charge an administration fee for traffic offences?

Yes. This fee covers the cost of processing fines on your behalf. It is standard industry practice and ensures timely payment.

What should I do if I receive an invoice for a traffic offence?

• If the fine has already been paid by SIXT, the invoice covers the administration cost.
• If the fine hasn’t been paid, the invoice covers only the administration fee. The relevant authority will contact you regarding the fine itself.
• For any questions, contact SIXT Credit Control (details on the invoice cover letter).

Are there discounts or exemptions?

You may qualify for discounts or exemptions:

• Residents
• Blue Badge holders
• Accredited breakdown vehicles
• Ultra-low-emission vehicles (ULEV)
• Plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles (PHEV)
• Vehicles with 9+ seats
• Motor tricycles
• Roadside recovery vehicles
• Exemptions also apply to emergency vehicles and licensed taxis (TPH).

More information: TfL Discounts & Exemptions

Yes, for when you are going on holiday or a long trip, SIXT allows you to bring along any pets in your hire car so that they don't get left behind. As long as you maintain the cleanliness of your rental car and clean up any mess, SIXT is more than happy to welcome you and your pets. Whether you are taking your dogs on a fun trip, your cat to the vet or any other domestic pet on a journey, pet friendly SIXT rent a car will make sure that all your four-legged friends get there safely. 

To prepare your rental car for whatever comes your way, SIXT offer you a fantastic selection of extras and services to provide you and your pet with a seamless journey. Perhaps a guaranteed sat nav can help you discover attractions and ensure that you and your pooch don't get lost. SIXT also includes many of their rental vehicles with unlimited mileage and LDW protection as standard, so you have peace of mind. Find out more about our additional upgrades for your pet car hire below.  

 

Tips for driving with your pet in a SIXT rental 

• When driving with pets, you must make sure they are strapped into a safe position in the boot or in a transportation box if they are small. Leaving your pets loose can cause serious safety issues and a fine. 
• Animals leaving Britain will need a microchip, pet passport and proof of anti-parasite treatment. Please bear these issues in mind if you are planning on going abroad with your furry friend. 
• Always stop off after a couple of hours of driving for a nice stretch and walk for both you and your pet. Keeping water and snacks handy is also advisable but make sure the pet doesn't over-eat. 
• Never leave your pet in a parked car. Cars can heat up incredibly fast during the day and can cause your dog to have heatstroke. Cold temperatures in winter can be just as life threatening. 
• Please make sure to thoroughly clean your hire car and rid it of lingering pet hair. Ensure your SIXT hire car is vacuumed and fresh for the next driver or cleaning charges may occur.  

Choose the ideal vehicle for your pet

Any long-distance journey with your furry friends is made comfortable and relaxing in one of our high-quality hire cars and you can choose from a selection of versatile categories from economy and 4x4 to minibuses and people carriers. Our flexible rental durations mean you can choose the ideal vehicle for the ideal amount of time. With SIXT you can easily take your dog on a fun day out or on a month vacation abroad. With car hire stations situated all across the UK, including all major cities, towns, airports and train stations and many more across the world, SIXT will be there for you both.  

 

Bring your pets along with you in a SIXT car hire

When you can't leave your dog, cat, birds or small pets behind on a long trip, SIXT offer you the chance to bring them along in a reliable pet friendly SIXT car hire. Take them on a fun family holiday and have unforgettable memories with your beloved animal but please make sure to thoroughly clean the vehicle before handing it back to your SIXT rental branch of choice. SIXT offers you a stress-free rental experience, even when you choose to take your pet on your travels. Expect a large selection of convenient locations, plenty of great deals, excellent customer services and a huge fleet of high-quality car hires.

Smoking is not allowed in any SIXT vehicle. To ensure all customers enjoy a fresh and clean car, a special cleaning fee may be charged if a vehicle is returned showing signs of smoking.

Some vehicle types may be driven outside the UK for an additional fee. For full details and requirements, please refer to our rental information.

Vans and luxury cars cannot be taken to Mainland Europe, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of White.

Traveling to Mainland Europe (country restrictions apply), Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of White - for non luxury cars only. The fee is GBP 42 per day, with a minimum of GBP 300 per rental.

Island Hopper option to visit all other British Isles and the Republic of Ireland available for all vehicle types. The Fee per rental is 45.00 GBP.

Please check our rental conditions for further Mainland Europe territory restriction information or contact our service centre on WhatsApp or Chat to add travel options.