Information

As of November 25, 2024, commercial vehicles between 3,001-4,500 kg are eligible to apply for green licence plates. These vehicles still require annual validation stickers.

Green Licence Plate Program

Green licence plates are available for eligible types of low-carbon vehicles.

Vehicles with green licence plates can drive in:

If you have a green licence plate, look for these signs on HOV and HOT lanes.

Image of a High Occupancy Vehicle lane sign Image of a High Occupancy Vehicle lane sign with an arrow

Eligibility

Individuals, businesses and commercial fleets can order green vehicle licence plates. The plates are optional and cost the same as regular licence plates.

The following types of vehicles are eligible for green vehicle licence plates:

  • plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
  • battery electric vehicles (BEV)
  • hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs)
  • used 2010 or later model year PHEVs and BEVs
  • PHEVs, BEVs and HFCVs currently operating in Ontario in limited numbers as part of a pilot study or test program

The following vehicles are not eligible for green vehicle licence plates:

  • low-speed vehicles
  • e-bikes
  • motorcycles
  • off-road vehicles
  • conventional hybrid electric vehicle (HEVs)
  • vehicles that have been converted to plug-in capability
  • commercial vehicles with a registered gross weight (RGW) of more than 4,500 kg, even if that vehicle model is eligible

Please check the full list of vehicles eligible for green vehicle licence plates.

Green licence plates are not customizable with the Veteran licence plate design or other personalized licence plate design. 

Commercial vehicles

Commercial vehicles with a registered gross weight (RGW) of up to 4,500 kg are eligible to apply for green licence plates.

In Ontario, under the Highway Traffic Act all vehicles defined as pickup trucks are classed as commercial vehicles regardless of their intended use.

While a vehicle model may be eligible for green plates, eligibility is ultimately determined by the registered gross weight (RGW).

  • Registered gross weight is the combined weight of a vehicle and everything it is carrying. When you register your commercial vehicle with Service Ontario and get your licence plate, you must declare a RGW that will be used to determine your registration fees

When you register your commercial vehicle, you should select a RGW that is high enough to account for the heaviest load you plan to carry. Remember to account for the vehicle, its load and a trailer if applicable.

Annual validation stickers

Vehicles with a registered gross weight (RGW) above 3,000 kg must obtain and display an annual validation sticker on their licence plates. This requirement applies to all commercial vehicles, including those with green plates.

Where to get a green licence plate

Green vehicle licence plates are available at any ServiceOntario centre. Online orders and personalized green vehicle licence plates are not available.

Regular vehicle permit and number plate fees apply. There are no extra fees for a green vehicle licence plate.

Full list of eligible vehicles

These vehicles are eligible for green vehicle licence plates. We update this list every 3 months (quarterly).

If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact programcomplianceMTO@ontario.ca.