Can Tesla Not Use Blue License Plates?
3 Answers
Tesla cannot use blue license plates now, although it was possible earlier. Teslas purchased before 2016 used blue license plates. However, now Tesla has been classified as a new energy vehicle model, so it can only use new energy vehicle license plates. Additional information: 1. The Ministry of Public Security first piloted the use of new energy vehicle license plates in five cities: Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuxi, Jinan, and Shenzhen. Since Tesla was registered earlier and not in the first batch of pilot cities for new energy vehicle license plates, blue license plates were used. Later, green license plates became the mainstream for Tesla vehicles. Currently, in cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Tianjin, Tesla offers preferential policies for new energy vehicle license plates. 2. For new energy vehicles that already have small car license plates, they can continue to use the small car license plates or choose to apply for a new energy vehicle license plate. Currently, new energy vehicle license plates are mainly green in color. Among them, small new energy vehicle license plates use gradient green as the base color, while large new energy vehicle license plates use a combination of yellow and green as the base color.
When I first bought a car, I was also confused that Tesla couldn’t get a blue license plate as an electric vehicle. In China, license plates are divided into two types: blue for fuel-powered cars and green for new energy vehicles. Tesla is a pure electric model, fully meeting the requirements for green plates. When I went to register my Model Y, the staff directly issued a green plate. The policy mandates that new energy vehicles must have green plates to promote environmental protection and reduce emissions. Forcing a blue plate onto an electric car is illegal and could result in fines from traffic police. Tesla owners should accept the reality of green plates, which also come with benefits like exemption from purchase tax and traffic restrictions—for example, green-plate cars aren’t subject to odd-even driving bans in big cities and get priority at charging stations. Before buying a car, it’s best to review the relevant regulations to avoid misunderstandings. In short, blue plates are out of the question; green plates are the way to go.
When I picked up my Tesla before, I also thought about this issue, but in practice, it's impossible to get a blue license plate. I chose the Model 3, and after picking up the car, I went directly to the DMV to get the plates. The whole process was very quick, without the long queues typical for fuel vehicles. The staff checked the vehicle type, and as soon as they saw it was electric, they issued a green plate. Blue plates are identifiers for fuel vehicles, and the current policies are very strict; pure electric vehicles can't get blue plates. There are quite a few benefits: green plates are eye-catching and make it easier to pass checkpoints, plus they exempt you from many city driving restrictions. For friends considering buying a Tesla, I suggest not fussing over blue plates and just go for the green ones—it saves money and hassle, and the charging costs are much lower, making it more cost-effective in the long run. Remember to bring all the necessary documents when registering to avoid any trouble.
