Can Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles Switch to Blue License Plates?

[DiAndrew]

Different vehicle types correspond to different plates: Blue license plates are for conventional fuel-powered vehicles, while green plates are for new energy vehicles, including pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. There are two types of green plates: one is gradient green, and the other is a yellow-green dual-color combination. The number of digits on green plates has increased from 5 to 6, and only two letters are used: D and F. D stands for pure electric vehicles, and F represents hybrid vehicles. Different technologies are employed: Green license plates use anti-counterfeiting technologies such as two-dimensional barcodes and anti-counterfeiting background patterns, which enhance the plates' anti-counterfeiting performance to a certain extent.

[LaGabriella]

I just bought a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a green new energy license plate, and it feels great—it can be both charged and fueled. Switching to a blue license plate is basically impossible because policies stipulate that plug-in hybrids fall under the new energy vehicle category, enjoying green plate benefits such as exemption from purchase tax and traffic restrictions. Switching to a blue plate would not only be illegal but could also require back taxes and the loss of those benefits. Driving in the city without worrying about traffic restriction days is truly convenient. Moreover, the vehicle's registered type is new energy, and the DMV records are fixed—forcing a change would cause trouble. It's better to maintain the car properly and enjoy the cost and hassle savings that come with the green plate.

[FelixLynn]

From a practical policy perspective, plug-in hybrids are clearly classified as new energy vehicles in China, so getting green license plates is a certainty. Switching to traditional blue license plates is impossible as it violates motor vehicle management regulations, and the registration information cannot be altered. If you really want to switch, you need to consider the risks, such as penalties for regulatory violations or potential insurance issues. Plug-in hybrid models are designed for new energy services, and switching to blue plates would mean losing advantages like exemption from purchase tax and unrestricted driving. My advice is to first check the local vehicle management office regulations and not to trust online rumors blindly to avoid unnecessary hassle. Maintaining your current green plates and driving safely is the right approach.

[VanJulianna]

Plug-in hybrids should use green license plates, which cannot be arbitrarily switched to blue plates. Green plates represent new energy vehicle status and enjoy various policy benefits, such as purchase tax exemptions and urban traffic restriction privileges. Switching to blue plates would mean forfeiting these benefits and could potentially cause conflicts in vehicle records. During vehicle usage, green plates are more environmentally friendly and economical—why insist on changing them? It's crucial to understand traffic regulations better and prioritize maintaining vehicle compliance.