Hungary mandates license plate changes for 32,000 hybrid vehicles

Owners of approximately 32,325 plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles in Hungary must replace their green license plates with white ones by November 30. Following a regulatory change implemented in September 2024, only fully electric (5E) and zero-emission (5Z) models are eligible for green plates.

Vehicles categorized as 5P (plug-in hybrid) and 5N (extended-range hybrid) must complete the transition to avoid penalties. Starting December 1, authorities will seize expired green license plates and vehicle registration documents during roadside inspections, which may lead to the vehicle being withdrawn from circulation until new white plates are obtained.

The Digital Hungary Agency (DMÜ) has warned that no individual notifications will be sent to owners; drivers must initiate the process themselves at any government window (kormányablak). Owners can choose between a full re-registration with a new number combination, costing 17,475 HUF, or a character-identical plate change, costing 16,605 HUF.