Do Four-Wheel Electric Vehicles Require License Plates?

[KaiDella]

Only four-wheel electric vehicles that comply with the national motor vehicle product announcement registration and fall within the scope of the energy-saving and new energy vehicle catalog can be licensed. Drivers should proactively go to the traffic management department to complete the registration, licensing procedures, and obtain a driver's license. For example, four-wheel elderly mobility scooters and four-wheel vehicles for the disabled do not meet national regulations and cannot be licensed or driven on the road. Electric vehicles refer to vehicles that use electrical energy as a power source and are driven by electric motors. They belong to the category of new energy vehicles, including pure electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

[MacEliana]

As a car enthusiast who frequently deals with vehicles, I find this question quite practical. Four-wheeled electric vehicles do require license plates, which is a mandatory regulation in China. All motor vehicles must be officially registered before hitting the road, and electric vehicles are no exception. The process is quite straightforward: after purchasing a new car, you need to bring your ID card, purchase invoice, vehicle certification, and compulsory traffic insurance policy to the local vehicle management office for registration. Electric vehicles are issued special green license plates, symbolizing environmental protection, and sometimes they can save on purchase taxes or enjoy subsidies. Forgetting to register can lead to significant risks—traffic police may impose fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan, and the vehicle could even be towed. Worse, in the event of an accident, insurance companies may refuse to cover damages if the vehicle lacks a license plate, leaving you to bear the repair costs. I advise car owners not to cut corners—complete the registration before driving, ensuring safety and peace of mind, and enabling participation in annual inspections to keep the vehicle in good condition. By the way, some cities offer free charging or priority parking for green-plate vehicles, making it a worthwhile investment. Remember, driving legally is the most basic requirement—don’t let it become a hassle.

[MiaMarie]

Last year, I bought a four-wheel electric vehicle, and the first thing I did was to get it licensed. Sharing some experience: right after purchasing the car, the salesperson urged me to get it done because driving without a license plate is illegal. The process was quick—just bring the necessary documents to the DMV, fill out a form, and it was done in half an hour. Getting the green license plate was pretty cool. Not having a license plate is really not worth it; once I delayed the process and was stopped by traffic police, fined 500 yuan, and my car was temporarily impounded—big trouble. Additionally, buying insurance requires a license plate; otherwise, you can't claim compensation in case of an accident. For someone like me who commutes daily, driving long distances without coverage is unthinkable. Even when charging the electric vehicle, you need to register the license plate to prevent misuse. The government encourages licensing with subsidies available, so don’t miss out. In short, as a car owner, getting licensed makes driving much more reassuring, without constant worry about traffic checks. Go get it done—it’s a simple thing, don’t delay.

[VonElias]

From a policy perspective, four-wheeled electric vehicles must be licensed. The national "Road Traffic Safety Law" clearly states that all motor vehicles on the road must be registered. Electric vehicles, classified as new energy vehicles, are uniformly issued green license plates for distinction. The government promotes eco-friendly vehicles with policy benefits such as tax exemptions or subsidies, provided they have proper registration. Driving an unlicensed vehicle is illegal, punishable by fines or even vehicle confiscation, and in case of an accident, the owner bears full responsibility without insurance coverage. Local vehicle management offices have streamlined procedures—submit the required documents and complete the process promptly. Adhering to safety regulations is crucial; driving an unlicensed vehicle carries high risks and severe legal consequences. Timely registration is the right approach.

[Moreira]

From an economic standpoint, obtaining a license plate is mandatory, and four-wheeled electric vehicles are no exception. Although the process involves minor expenses, such as a processing fee of a few dozen yuan, skipping registration could lead to greater losses. Only with a license plate can you apply for government subsidies or purchase tax exemptions, saving a significant amount. If caught without one, fines start at several hundred yuan, far exceeding registration costs. In the long run, having a license plate means cheaper insurance, faster accident claims, and avoiding delayed inspection fees. When selling, a used car with a proper license plate fetches a higher price. I've seen owners miss out on thousands in new energy subsidies by not registering—definitely not worth it. My advice: register right after buying; don't wait or try to save here.