[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There are many different ways to customise your number plate to add a touch of elegance to your vehicle, whether it’s a car or a motorbike. But you need to make sure it still adheres to the UK’s strict road safety laws.
Recently, there have been more and more vehicles on the road with a green line at the start of the number plate – but what does it mean? Who else can get one? Let’s take a look.
A green line on a number plate signifies that the vehicle is a 100% electric vehicle. Hybrid vehicles do not have a green line at the start of the number plate as it isn’t 100% electric and so doesn’t qualify. The green line or symbol helps in promoting eco-friendly transportation and there was some indication when it was first introduced by the Ministry of Transport in 2020 that it may also come with certain benefits or incentives, such as tax breaks or preferential parking – although this has yet to be seen in the UK.
While a green strip on a number plate denotes a 100% hybrid vehicle in the UK, in other countries around the world, a green strip or fully green number plate can signify something else.
You may have also come across green number plates while travelling in Dubai (UAE), France or the Netherlands; in each of these places, green number plates are used for electric and hybrid vehicles to indicate their eco-friendly nature as part of the governments’ initiative to promote sustainable transportation.
In Belgium and Sweden, green number plates are also known as ‘dealer plates’ and are similar in use to the UK’s ‘show plates’. With black text on a green background in Sweden and green text on a white background in Belgium, both types of dealer plates are used by car dealers for cars without permission to be used on the road and are only for show in car salesrooms.
Meanwhile in Nigeria, green licence plates are used by governmental officials, while in Jamaica, green number plates are for public transportation such as taxis and buses, showing white letters and numbers on a green background.
Not all electric vehicles in the UK have a green strip on the number plate. The UK introduced green number plates in December 2020 as a voluntary measure to help identify zero-emission vehicles more easily, to promote the use of electric vehicles as well as potentially offer incentives for their use. These green number plates feature a green flash on the left side, but their use is optional.
All new electric vehicles sold since the introduction of the green number plates will have one, however, not all electric vehicles have them and it’s not mandatory to get one either.
If you want a number plate with a green strip for an old electric vehicle, you can simply find an approved number plate supplier in the UK and have your custom plate made.
Electric motorbikes in the UK do not have a green strip on their number plates as a standard requirement, as the introduction of green number plates in the UK in December 2020 primarily focused on cars, vans, and other four-wheeled vehicles as a means to easily identify zero-emission vehicles.
However, if electric motorbikes produce zero emissions, they qualify for a green number plate and it’s possible for electric motorbike owners to voluntarily opt for green number plates to signify that their vehicles are eco-friendly. The option for electric motorbikes to display green number plates is the same as for other types of vehicles i.e. not compulsory and remains at the discretion of the vehicle owner.
In the UK, motorbikes are required to display square number plates, colloquially known as “Jap plates.” These plates are smaller in size compared to standard rectangular plates used on cars and other vehicles. The square shape ensures that the number plate fits appropriately on the rear of the motorbike without obstructing any essential components or features.
Additionally, the smaller size helps maintain the aerodynamics of the motorcycle and contributes to its overall aesthetics. The use of square plates is mandated by UK regulations to ensure the visibility and legality of the vehicle on the road, so if you wish to have a green motorbike plate, you need to ensure it adheres to these regulations for road safety standards to avoid penalties.
Getting a green number plate in the UK couldn’t be easier, just follow these steps:
To attach the new number plate securely, use the appropriate fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) to the vehicle. Make sure the plate is aligned properly and sits flush against the mounting surface so the fasteners can be tightened well to prevent the number plate from coming loose. However, take care not to overtighten, as this could damage the plate or mounting surface.
After fitting the number plate, gently shake it to check for any looseness or wobbling and tighten further if necessary.
Losing your number plate can be a pain as you have to alert the authorities if you can’t find it so no one can use your number plate on their own car. If your number plate does fall off and you’re able to get it back, make sure it’s visible while you continue driving until you can secure it again. Driving without a number plate or an obscured number plate in the UK can result in a fine of up to £1000 so avoid this as much as possible by having your number plate fitted securely by a professional.
In the UK, custom number plates are available through authorised private dealers or the DVLA. These plates offer vehicle owners the opportunity to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their cars, making them stand out to onlookers as well as making them easily identifiable in a crowded car park.
Customising number plate materials, such as opting for 4D clear krystal plates or 4D double clear krystal plates, adds a touch of sophistication, as there won’t be another vehicle on the road that looks like yours. You can also customise your plates in other ways, such as adding borders to further enhance its visual appeal.
For electric vehicles (EVs), custom plates can also serve as a statement of commitment to sustainability, contributing to their allure. These options cater to individuals seeking to elevate the appearance of their vehicles while maintaining compliance with legal standards.
You need to make sure your number plate is compliant with the law, so before buying a number plate, check it adheres to the restrictions regarding:
Illegal number plates can result in a failed MOT as well as a hefty fine. So only get your custom plates from approved providers, such as the Number Plate Clinic.
If you’ve got an electric vehicle and you want a new green number plate that is government-approved as road-legal, then check out the professional plates at the Number Plate Clinic!
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