Green Number Plates: Costs, Perks and How to Buy

You’ve probably seen them before, whether at the front or back of a car. When out and about on the roads. Parked up. Passing by. That flash of bright green.

Nowadays, green number plates are taking the UK by storm, hand in hand with EV adoption. Why? You ask – surely they are just number plates? Wrong.

Of course, electric cars come with their own benefits and incentives. But green license plates add to the bounty of electric rewards, too.

Today, we dive deep into green number plates in the UK (sometimes called green license plates or green registration plates). Our comprehensive guide takes you through what a green license plate is, whether you can get one, prices and more.

What does the green stripe on a number plate mean?

The Department of Transport, under the Conservative government, launched green number plates, or green license plates, to advertise the growth of electric vehicles as well as provide an additional incentive for electric vehicle (EV) owners.

Though legally identical to standard number plates, a bold green sliver on the left-hand side distinguishes green number plates from standard registration plates, symbolising the vehicle’s zero-emission status and signalling its eligibility for exclusive EV perks.

Green license plates originated from the government’s “Road to Zero” strategy. The aim? To make it easier for everyone to identify electric vehicles. At just a glance, the green strip boosts awareness of cleaner, greener transport, signalling those who have already made the switch.

Are green number plates a legal requirement?

No, green number plates aren’t compulsory or a legal requirement for EV owners – they are entirely optional.

Of course, you can buy one if you have an EV, but you will need to purchase one at an extra cost. Note that, on the whole, though, green license plates don’t come with your electric car as standard. So keep this in mind if you want a sparkling new number plate to match your bold, green Mokka. Or, if you want to add a splash of colour to your black Tesla Model 3. It’s likely to cost a little extra.

Electric car license plates promote a greener, cleaner future by signalling to others that it’s electric. Though even without a green number plate, people will likely be able to spot your EV. For one, your EV’s sleek make and design – and even model, if it’s an all electric lineup, like Tesla – will be an indicator. Another telltale sign of an EV without the green license plate is your car’s low, almost robotic-like hum when nearby.

How much do they cost?

Prices, as with everything, can vary. That said, you’re looking at roughly £20-£30 for a single plate and £30 to £50 for two (front and back). Usually, you’ll get a deal if you buy two plates rather than one.

For example, at a glance, a single green plate is £18 at Halfords and £36 for a pair.

Where can I buy electric vehicle number plates?

Think anywhere you usually buy a standard license plate – online and offline. With the growing popularity of electric cars (1,480,000 in the UK), green license plates aren’t elusive on or off the road.

However, check wherever you buy that they are DVLA green number plate approved. Be wary that it isn’t a fake plate.

When searching for places to buy electric vehicle number plates, look at:

• In-person at Halfords – One of the easiest and most reliable places to get your green stripe. Stop into your local store. Halfords will fit a green plate while you wait. Remember to bring your V4C logbook and your driving license, though.
• Online retailers – Over the years, the number of license plate suppliers online has boomed, and many offer green options. Some include onestopnumerplates.co.uk and Number1Plates. But check before you buy.
• Specialist motor shops – Smaller, independent car accessory stores also offer number plate services.
• Car dealerships – If you’ve just bought your EV, your dealership might be able to supply the plates directly – either as part of your purchase or as an add-on.

Warning – Ensure the website is DVLA registered before inputting any personal data.

Are there any benefits to green number plates?

Yes, electric car owners with green license plates can get local and national perks, depending on the area and local council. Some of these include:

• No fee for Clean Air Zones
• Cheaper parking in some areas
• Occasionally, although inherently rare, entry into bus lanes

When do green number plates need to be fitted?

Some brand-new electric cars might already come pre-packed with a green license plate. Similarly, used electric cars, which have advantages in their own right, might have them fitted by the previous owners.

Overall, you can have green number plates fitted when you place your EV order or get them retrofitted.

Who can purchase green number plates?

Anyone with a zero-emission vehicle can get a green number plate. These include:

• Battery electric cars
• Hydrogen fuel cell cars and vehicles
• Electric vans
• Electric buses
• Electric HGVs
• Electric taxis
• Electric motorcycles.

Please note that hybrid and plug-in hybrids can’t buy green license plates. And, since they aren’t zero-emission vehicles, petrol and diesel cars can’t get green license plates, either.

Summary:

• The UK government created green vehicle registration plates in 2020.
• Green number plates help aid a greener future, showcasing those who have made the switch to electric and providing extra benefits to zero-emission cars. Free entrance to local zero-emission zones and cheaper parking add to the abundance of benefits for EV owners, such as exemption from congestion charges.
• Green license plates are available for fully electric or hydrogen vehicles (not hybrids or petrol/diesel cars).
• How can you tell it’s a zero-emission number plate? Look for the green stripe on your number plate or the green flash when driving about.
• Do electric cars have to have green number plates? No, green reg plates are entirely optional- not legal.
• Buy from Halfords, online retailers, motor shops, or dealerships. Just make sure they’re DVLA-approved.

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