Everything you need to know about green number plates

As electric vehicles become more popular, you might have spotted number plates with a green strip on UK roads. Here’s everything you need to know about green number plates, from their purpose to potential perks for drivers.

What are green number plates?

Green number plates were introduced in December 2020 to identify zero-emission vehicles. They look similar to standard UK plates but feature a distinctive green flash on the left-hand side. Only fully electric cars — those that produce no tailpipe emissions — are eligible for a green number plate.

Plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids, and conventional petrol or diesel cars are not eligible, even if they’re relatively low-emission.

Why were they introduced?

Green plates aim to promote cleaner transport and make it easier for authorities to identify vehicles that are eligible for eco-friendly benefits. The government hopes this visible badge of environmental commitment will encourage more drivers to consider switching to fully electric models.

In the future, green plates could play a role in giving EV drivers special privileges, such as cheaper parking, free entry into low emission zones, or access to bus lanes — although these benefits currently vary by location.

Are there benefits right now?

At the moment, any perks associated with green plates are offered locally rather than nationally. Some councils may provide discounted parking or reduced congestion charges for vehicles displaying a green plate. However, simply having a green plate doesn’t automatically exempt you from all charges — it’s important to check individual city or borough rules.

By understanding everything you need to know about green number plates, you can take full advantage of the benefits if you own an EV — and stay ahead of future incentives.

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