Can the Shanghai Green License Plate Be Continued to Use When Changing Cars?
3 Answers
Shanghai Green License Plate can be continued to use when changing cars as long as the relevant conditions are met. Specific conditions and requirements: For new energy vehicles registered in the city and using special license plate quotas, they cannot be transferred or changed within 3 years from the date of activation of the special license plate quota. Transfer conditions: In the event of transfer or change of new energy vehicles, the second-hand vehicle transferee must also meet the relevant requirements of Article 2 of this implementation method and fulfill the condition of having a self-use or dedicated charging facility. Other regulations: For individual second-hand vehicle transferees, there should be no new energy vehicles registered in the city under their name. Upon review and meeting the above conditions, the Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization will issue a confirmation certificate. If the transferee does not meet the above requirements, the special license plate quota will automatically become invalid after the transfer or change of the new energy vehicle.
I've always found this quite interesting. Last time I changed my car, I encountered this exact situation. Here in Shanghai, the green license plates are mainly for new energy vehicles. If you get a new car, you can't directly transfer the old plate - you need to apply for a new one. This is primarily because the green plate is tied to the old vehicle. Once the car is scrapped or transferred, the license plate becomes invalid too. But don't worry, the process of applying for a new green plate isn't too complicated. First, complete the deregistration procedures at the old vehicle management office, then submit the new car's documentation (like purchase invoices and vehicle certification) at the DMV. It took me about two or three days to get it done last time - pretty straightforward, and now you can even make online appointments to speed up the process. I'd recommend checking Shanghai's latest new energy policies in advance, as some districts might offer more benefits that could save you some trouble. Just remember, don't assume you can take the green plate with you - driving with the wrong plates could get you pulled over. Safety first!
I noticed many people are confused about this issue, so I'll share my thoughts. If you're driving a new energy vehicle in Shanghai, you indeed can't keep using the old green license plate when changing cars—you'll need to apply for a new one. The main reason is that the license plate is tied to the vehicle, so once the car is gone, the plate becomes invalid. The process isn't actually difficult: first, complete the deregistration procedures for the old car to avoid loose ends; then, prepare all the necessary documents for the new car, such as your ID card and new energy vehicle quota, and apply online or visit the vehicle management office in person. I've seen some people trying to cut corners to save time, but the policy is clear—don't count on luck. Additionally, take the opportunity during the car change to check the charging system of your new car. Regular maintenance can also extend battery life, preventing any hiccups in the green license plate application. The whole process usually takes just a day or two—stay calm and follow the steps.
