What are green number plates?

With the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads, you will no doubt have spotted the new ‘green’ number plates. So-called because of the green ‘flash’ displayed on the left-hand side of a number plate, the majority of electric vehicles are now fitted with these. 

In this article dedicated to the topic, we explain what a green number plate is in more detail, when they were first introduced to the UK, and who can have one. Read on to find out more…  

Green number plate key takeaways:

• Created for 100% electric vehicles
• They display a green ‘flash’ front and back
• Can be optionally added
• Can’t be used on hybrid vehicles 
• Makes EVs more identifiable  

What is a green number plate?

Green number plates are displayed on electric vehicles and designed to differentiate zero emissions cars and vans from conventional combustion engine models. A green number plate is identified by a green flash on the front and rear registration plates to the left of the black letters. 

The idea behind the plates is so that electric cars are much easier to be identified by local authorities. This is for the purposes of drivers benefiting from EV incentives, such as free parking and entering Clean Air Zones without charge...

When were green number plates introduced in the UK?

Green number plates were first introduced to the UK in December 2020 by the Department for Transport. It is hoped the identifiable presence of EVs will encourage more motorists to invest in battery-powered vehicles, in favour of their petrol or diesel counterparts.   

What makes a green number plate different?

A green number plate can be identified by the block of green colour featured on the left-hand side of a registration plate at the front and rear of an electric vehicle. This means that for any number plates previously displaying the blue GB logo, the green EV flash replaces it. 

Apart from that, there are no other obvious differences between a green number plate and a standard UK number plate for a vehicle with a motorised engine; the front number plate will still be largely white with black letters and numbers, while the rear will remain predominantly yellow with the same black letters and numbers repeated.   

Do all electric cars have a green number plate?

All electric cars are eligible to have a green number plate fitted, but this isn’t currently a mandatory requirement. As such, is it at the manufacturers discretion as to whether they choose to fit a green number plate to an EV or not. 

If you own an electric vehicle, you are legally allowed to have a green number plate no matter what its age - even if it pre-dates the December 2020 UK launch date. This means that if your EV doesn’t currently display a green number plate, you can retrofit one instead - as long as the registration number matches the plates it’s replacing.     

Why does my electric car not have a green number plate?

If your electric car does not have a new green number plate, it may be that the manufacturer chose not to fit one. In which case, you can opt to change it for a plate that does display a green flash so your vehicle can be easily identified as 100% battery powered.  

Can a hybrid car have a green number plate?

Hybrid cars such as mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids won’t be fitted with a green number plate because they don’t produce zero emissions from the tailpipe. Only fully battery electric vehicles are eligible for a green number plate.  

Green number plate FAQs

We hope you’ve found our guide to green number plates useful. Before we wrap up the article, we’ve addressed the most frequently asked questions about green number plates, below…  

What is the green sticker on a UK car number plate?

The green area on a number plate is designed to highlight the fact that it is an electric vehicle. Formed as part of the overall registration plate surface area, the flash of green colour can be found on the left-hand side front and back of an EV.   

What cars qualify for a green sticker on the number plate?

Any car that is 100% battery powered with zero emissions qualifies for a green number plate.  

How do I get a green number plate?

If your electric car or van didn’t come with a green number plate from new, you can have one fitted as long as it matches the current registration number.   

Do other countries use green number plates?

Yes, other countries in addition to the UK have introduced schemes that make electric vehicles extra visible through the implementation of green number plates. 

Are green number plates compulsory for electric vehicles?

No, green number plates aren’t compulsory for electric vehicles so it is optional as to whether you choose to have a standard-fitted registration plate or a ‘green’ version. 

What does an electric car number plate look like?

Just like with a standard registration plate in the UK, a green number plate will be mainly white at the front and yellow at the back with black letters and numbers. The difference is that a green number plate also has a green flash displayed on the left-hand side of the front and rear plates. 

Take a look at our UK number plates explained blog to find out everything you need to know about standard car registration plates and how the number plate system works. 

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