If you’ve been hearing about green number plates but are unsure exactly what they are and whether you need one, read on…
What are green number plates?
Distinguished by the green bar down the side, green number plates raise awareness of electric vehicles and incentivise motorists into transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. Introduced as part of the UK Government’s “Road to Zero Emissions” initiative, green number plates are only allowed to be applied to zero-emission vehicles.
When were green number plates introduced?
Green number plates were introduced in December 2020.
Why were they introduced?
Part of the UK's Road to 2030 they were introduced to make it easy to identify zero-emission vehicles through the green box down the left-hand side on the plate. They help local authorities design and implement new policies to the benefit of electric car drivers such as:
- Free entry to Clean Air Zones
- Cheaper parking
- Use of bus lanes
Plans have yet to be finalised regarding all of the precise benefits.
Can you drive an electric car without a green number plate?
Green number plates aren’t compulsory, and you can still drive an electric car if you don't have one on your vehicle. As things currently stand, Clean Air Zones, for example, use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras which would recognise your car as electric and therefore excuse you from paying to drive through, regardless of whether your plate was a green one or not.
Do I qualify for a green number plate?
Newly registered and existing zero-emission electric cars will qualify. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids don’t qualify, nor do low emission petrol or diesel vehicles. Those breaking the law by displaying one they’re not entitled to could be fined up to £1000.
How do I get a green number plate?
If you’re buying a new electric vehicle, you might find that the dealership will fit green number plates as standard or alternatively you can ask them how you can go about getting one. If you already have an electric car and want a green plate, you can buy one and arrange the swap in the same way you would change standard plates. Order your plates from a registered supplier, making sure any legally required checks are carried out. There’s a list of registered number plate suppliers on the government website.
Will I need any ID to change my number plate?
Yes, you’ll need proof of ID and evidence you own the car (you can use the V5C document). The V5C doc will need to have the 'ZEV' (zero emissions vehicle) box checked.
Can I get any registration on my green number plates?
If you’re looking to add a private number plate or cherished number plate, take a look at our guide here.
Can I change to a green number plate on a lease car?
If you’re leasing or paying for your car via finance, confirm that you're able to change the plates with the lender first.
Is there anyone else I need to tell about a change to a green number plate?
Inform your insurance company in case they need to know. If you use automatic payment systems for things like congestion charges, low emission zone charges, or the Dart Charge, update your registration number with them to ensure payments are processed correctly, if your registration number has changed. If it hasn’t changed, then only your insurance company needs to know.
If the registration number isn't changing, you don't need to notify the DVLA about the number plate change but if it is, you should notify them too.