Are Green License Plates Subject to Traffic Restrictions?
2 Answers
Green license plate vehicles are beneficial to the environment and can save a significant amount of costs. However, green license plates are not all-powerful; in some cities, they may still be subject to traffic restrictions. The traffic restriction policies clearly stipulate that only green license plate vehicles of category D can enjoy the policy of complete exemption from restrictions. Currently, new energy vehicles are mainly divided into two major categories: One is small vehicles: Including commonly driven sedans and small SUVs. The other is large vehicles: This category mainly includes large buses and heavy trucks. Of course, there are other classification methods in different aspects; for example, most new energy vehicles have an identifier, which is usually D or F.
As someone who frequently drives around the city, I think this issue is quite crucial, because many friends have switched to green-plate vehicles, namely electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. In most major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, green-plate vehicles do enjoy traffic restriction exemptions, such as being unaffected by odd-even license plate rules, mainly to encourage people to buy eco-friendly cars. However, I must remind you that regulations vary significantly between cities. For example, some smaller cities may not offer this benefit, or policies may change. It's best to check the official website of the local traffic police department or use their app to confirm. When driving, I've noticed that exemption from traffic restrictions saves me a lot of hassle, especially during peak hours when I can drive freely. But don't forget that new energy vehicles also require timely charging and battery maintenance to avoid breakdowns that could affect safety. In short, green-plate vehicles are indeed much more convenient for urban commuting, as long as you understand the local rules.
