Can Tesla Have Blue License Plates?

[DiJeremiah]

Tesla is a new energy electric vehicle and cannot have blue license plates; it can only have green license plates. Below is relevant information about Tesla vehicles: 1. Interior: The entire Tesla vehicle is primarily black. Apart from basic operations such as turning the steering wheel, pressing the accelerator, and braking, everything else in the Model S is wrapped in an IT exterior. The Tesla Model S's central control panel has only two physical buttons: the "hazard warning lights" and the "glove compartment" switch. All other operations are performed on the 17-inch color touchscreen. 2. Configuration: Features include heated seats with memory function, a multifunctional three-spoke genuine leather touch steering wheel, a tire pressure monitoring system, soft LED ambient interior lighting, automatic keyless entry, active safety technologies including collision warning and automatic emergency braking, a HEPA high-efficiency air filtration system, six airbags, an intelligent air suspension with adjustable chassis height, ABS, EPS, EPB, and more.

[VanNatalie]

In China, all Tesla vehicles that are purely electric are required to have green license plates. Since late 2016, the government has mandated that new energy vehicles use this gradient green license plate to distinguish them from the blue plates of conventional fuel-powered vehicles. A friend of mine who bought a Model Y last year was directly informed by the DMV staff that new energy vehicles must use green plates. This policy has remained unchanged to this day, but it's worth noting that older Tesla models with plug-in hybrid systems might be exceptions. Especially after the new policy in 2023, purely electric vehicles can no longer opt for blue plates—even temporary plates come with a green background. So, if you're buying a Tesla, remember to reserve space for the dedicated license plate holder.

[DeLila]

I've been driving for over 20 years, and nowadays there are more and more green-plated vehicles on the road, especially pure electric models like Tesla. The DMV stopped issuing blue plates for them long ago. Think about it: blue plates are for fuel-burning vehicles, while green plates represent zero emissions, and the policy treatment for these two types of vehicles is quite different. Some cities used to offer the option of blue plates for new energy vehicles, but last year, the policy was standardized nationwide with a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, my neighbor commutes in a Tesla and isn't subject to traffic restrictions on the elevated roads every day—all thanks to the special road privileges that come with green plates. If you see a Tesla with a blue plate, it's either an older plug-in hybrid model or a counterfeit plate, and you should report it immediately!

[BrookeLee]

Simply put: no. National regulations require pure electric vehicles to use green new energy license plates. Since all Tesla models are currently pure electric, they must use green plates. It's the same logic as why gasoline-powered cars can't use green plates. This policy was officially implemented on December 1, 2016. I personally witnessed the first batch of green plates being issued at the vehicle management office. The legal provisions state that 'pure electric vehicles shall apply for gradient green license plates,' while the first letter of the frame number for blue plates is different. If you buy a new Tesla and go to register it, the staff at the counter will directly assign you a dedicated new energy number segment. Nowadays, even the number selection pools are separated.

[IanMarie]

Some people are curious about Tesla cars with blue license plates, probably because they've seen older imported hybrid models overseas. Brand-new Tesla pure electric vehicles sold domestically haven't been allowed to use blue plates for a long time. I once attended a car club gathering and met an owner of the first-generation imported Model S - his hybrid version did indeed have a blue license plate, but new car buyers shouldn't be misled. Nowadays, the vehicle management system automatically identifies the energy type of cars. If you forcibly select a blue plate for a pure electric vehicle, the system will reject it, and you won't even pass the vehicle inspection stage. In my opinion, just embrace the green plate when buying an electric car - you can also enjoy benefits like exemption from purchase tax and no driving restrictions!

[DeBethany]

I specifically researched this when getting my license plate: After purchasing a Tesla, bring the vehicle purchase invoice, tax payment certificate, and ID card to the DMV. They will automatically assign a new energy license plate based on the vehicle certification information. Last month, I accompanied my brother to pick up his Model 3, and the entire process was fully digitalized. The number selection machine only displayed green-background plates with white characters. The staff emphasized that electric vehicles must use new energy-exclusive license plates starting with D/F letters—the system doesn't even offer blue plate options. The whole process took just half an hour, and now even the license plate frames have been updated to shorter versions adapted for green plates.