Can I switch back to a blue license plate after changing from a blue to a green one in Beijing?
3 Answers
After switching from a blue to a green license plate, you cannot switch back to a blue one. The differences between blue and green license plates are as follows: Applicable vehicle types differ: Blue plates are for conventional fuel-powered vehicles, while green plates are for new energy vehicles. Green plates apply to pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. There are two types of green plates: one is gradient green, and the other is yellow-green dual-color. Gradient green plates are used for new energy passenger cars, while yellow-green dual-color plates are used for buses. Green plates indicate new energy vehicles, and the number of digits on green plates has increased from five to six. Only two letters are used on these plates: D and F. D stands for pure electric vehicles, and F stands for hybrid vehicles. Different technologies are employed: Green plates incorporate anti-counterfeiting technologies such as QR codes and anti-counterfeiting watermark patterns, which enhance the plates' anti-counterfeiting performance to some extent. With the continuous development of automotive production technology, new energy vehicles are gradually entering the automotive market, and consumer demand for new energy vehicles is increasing. Green license plates are more common in many large cities with license plate restrictions, reflecting the development trend of new energy vehicles. New energy vehicle plates in different regions also enjoy various privileges, such as exemption from tail number restrictions.
I've looked into Beijing's license plate policy. When I switched from a blue plate to a green one, the staff at the vehicle management office made it clear that once you change to a new energy green plate, you generally can't switch back to a blue plate. This is because Beijing's blue plates are allocated for fuel vehicles, which are scarce and strictly controlled, while green plates are issued to encourage the development of new energy vehicles, and the policy is designed as a one-way process. Unless you encounter special circumstances, such as your original fuel vehicle being scrapped and you need to apply for a new indicator when buying a new car, you might have a chance. But in practice, it's very difficult and depends on the waiting list and conditions. I recommend that those who want to switch first check the official app or consult the latest regulations at the vehicle management office to avoid trouble later and having to buy another car. In short, switching to a green plate saves you from traffic restrictions, but switching back to a blue plate is unlikely.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience in Beijing, I've personally gone through the license plate replacement process. After switching to green plates, don't think you can easily switch back to blue ones. The Beijing Vehicle Management Office has regulations: green plate quotas are tied to your identity. Once you switch, your blue plate quota is automatically released to others unless you participate in the lottery or bidding for a new quota again. But the lottery success rate is extremely low—my neighbor tried without success. With more new energy vehicles now, the government wants to promote environmental protection, so policies are strict. If you're worried about traffic restrictions, green plates are actually more convenient. If you're really concerned, I suggest not rushing to switch plates or at least back up your blue plate documents first.
