You may have heard about green number plates but be confused about how they impact you. We’ve put together some information to provide you with answers to the most common questions you might have.
What are green number plates?
You may have seen number plates while driving around on UK roads, that have a green bar down the side. These are green number plates. They were introduced in December 2020 to make it easy to identify zero-emission vehicles.
What are the benefits of green number plates?
New policies to benefit electric car drivers are being designed and implemented that will add to the already significant benefits of leasing a salary sacrific electric car. These will rely on easy identification of electric vehicles via these number plates, such as free entry to Clean Air Zones, cheaper parking and use of bus lanes. Plans have yet to be fully finalised.
Can I get a green number plate?
Newly registered and existing zero-emission electric cars qualify. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids don’t qualify. Low emission petrol or diesel vehicles don’t qualify either.
How do I get one?
If you’re buying a new electric vehicle, your dealership might fit one as standard or you can ask them if you can have one. If you want a green plate for your existing vehicle, you can buy one and arrange the swap through a registered supplier. Ensure any legally required checks are carried out.
Can I drive my salary sacrifice electric car without one?
You can still drive an electric car without one, for now at least.
Can I change to a green number plate on my lease car?
If you’re leasing or paying for your car via finance, just run it past the lender before you commit.
Is there anyone else I need to tell?
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, you’ll need to update your registration number with them to ensure payments are processed correctly, if your registration number has changed. You don’t need to notify the DVLA about the number plate change unless your registration number is being changed.
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