To know if you have to pay the London Congestion Charge, consider these key points:

• The charge applies if you drive within the Congestion Charge Zone in London during chargeable hours: 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays, except between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

• The Congestion Charge Zone covers central London areas including Westminster, Holborn, City of London, Soho, and others. You can check if your location or route falls within this zone on the official TfL website or by postcode.

• The charge is linked to the vehicle registration, not the driver, so anyone driving a non-exempt vehicle in the zone must pay.

• Exempt vehicles typically include zero-emission vehicles such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars, most motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles, and certain disabled drivers.

• If your vehicle runs on petrol, diesel, or hybrid and is not exempt, you must pay the daily charge, which is £15 if paid in advance or on the day, increasing to £17.50 if paid by midnight on the third day after travel.

• You can check specifically if your vehicle needs to pay by entering your vehicle registration on online congestion charge checkers.

• Failure to pay the charge results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180, reduced to £90 if paid early.

In summary, to know if payment is required, confirm that your vehicle entered the Congestion Charge Zone during charge times, check if your vehicle is exempt (usually electric or certain cases), and then either confirm payment or check with online tools or TfL services.