More than 32,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles in Hungary still have green number plates that they are no longer entitled to use. Their owners have until 30 November to replace them, according to a statement from the Digital Government Agency (DMÜ) sent to MTI on Monday.
The DMÜ is urging owners and operators of the affected vehicles not to leave the process until the final weeks. The number plate change can be initiated at any government window (kormányablak) in Hungary.
Which cars are affected?
The DMÜ recalled that since 1 September 2024, only vehicles classified in environmental categories 5E (fully electric) and 5Z (zero-emission) have been eligible for light green number plates.
Cars in environmental categories 5N (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with an increased range) and 5P (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) that were previously issued green number plates can continue using them only until 30 November.
After that date, if the vehicle is stopped during a road inspection, the authorities will confiscate the number plate and registration document and initiate the vehicle’s withdrawal from traffic. This will remain in effect until a new number plate is issued, either through a re-registration or a change of vehicle type.
According to the DMÜ, there are currently 32,325 plug-in hybrid vehicles in Hungary that still have green number plates and are either in circulation or temporarily withdrawn from traffic.
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How much will the number plate change cost?
The operators of affected vehicles have two options. They can request a new-character number plate, which costs HUF 17,475 (EUR 48), including the issue of the new number plate and registration document. Alternatively, they can request a number plate with the same characters, for which the administrative fee is HUF 16,605 (EUR 45.2).
The key difference is that with a same-character number plate change, existing contractual arrangements linked to the previous registration number do not need to be amended because of the change. These include compulsory motor third-party liability insurance, comprehensive insurance (CASCO), and certain parking and access permits. However, the process requires two in-person visits.
What happens to motorway e-vignettes?
A valid motorway e-vignette can still be used after the number plate change. However, if the vehicle receives a new-character number plate, the e-vignette must be transferred to the new registration number through the toll-road customer service of Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt.
Drivers also do not have to pay the vehicle acquisition tax retrospectively because of the previous benefits associated with the green number plate. The DMÜ has published detailed information about the procedure and frequently asked questions on its website.
I’m guessing you’re talking about license plates.
This whole thing is yet more buffoonery from the green morons.
More than a half of a vehicle’s “carbon footprint” comes from the manufacturing process, and there, there is no difference between fossil fuel and electric automobiles.
Besides, the electricity needed to recharge these glorifies R.C. toys needs to come from somewhere and it sure as heck ain’t unicorn farts.
Let’s not even get started on the weight of electric cars, which cause more toxic particles being released into the air from rubber tire attrition, or the sourcing, toxicity, and non-recyclability of the components that go into E.V.s’ batteries.