Are Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles with Green License Plates Subject to Traffic Restrictions?
2 Answers
Plug-in hybrid vehicles with green license plates are subject to traffic restrictions. Only pure electric vehicles are exempt from odd-even restrictions, while gas-electric hybrid vehicles are still restricted because gas-electric hybrid models are classified as gasoline-powered vehicles and do not belong to the new energy category. Traffic restriction rules for green license plate new energy vehicles: In most cities or regions, new energy vehicles are not subject to traffic restrictions. New energy vehicles refer to vehicles with green new energy license plates. Vehicles eligible for green license plates include pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, while conventional hybrid vehicles are not eligible for new energy license plates. Requirements for the numbering of new energy vehicle license plates: New energy vehicle license plates have one additional digit compared to regular vehicle license plates. The number of digits increases from 5 to 6, expanding the capacity of license plate numbers and enriching available resources. The numbering rules are more scientific and reasonable, meeting the need for "less use of letters and more use of numbers" in the numbering system.
I've been driving a plug-in hybrid for several years, and the green license plate in Shanghai really doesn't have any restrictions—I can drive out any day, regardless of odd or even days, which is quite convenient. This kind of policy is meant to encourage people to use eco-friendly vehicles and reduce urban pollution. When I bought the car, I chose a new energy vehicle precisely for this benefit—after all, not being stuck in traffic jams saves a lot of hassle. However, a friend in Guangzhou mentioned that the rules there change frequently, so traffic regulations vary by region, and it's advisable to check the local DMV app for confirmation. Overall, in big cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, such vehicles are mostly exempt from restrictions, promoting green travel. After buying the car, I also found that it helps reduce fuel costs—killing multiple birds with one stone.
