Electric and hydrogen number plate labels

Labels are required to be displayed on all vehicles that are powered by electricity or hydrogen.

Why do some vehicles need labels?

These labels identify certain types of vehicle to help keep emergency service workers safe if they are called to a crash. 

Electric-powered vehicles

All electric-powered vehicles (including hybrid vehicles) need to display ‘EV’ number plate labels on both number plates.

Vehicles that do not require ‘EV’ number plate labels include motorised scooters, motorised bicycles, wheeled toys, motorised wheelchairs, golf buggies and ride-on lawn mowers. 

The label must be:

  • an equilateral triangle, each side of which is 30 millimetres in length
  • made of metal and be at least 1 millimetre thick
  • reflective blue
  • marked with “EV” in an upright position on the label in white capital letters at least 8 millimetres high.

Blue electric powered vehicle label

Electric-powered and hybrid vehicle 

Electric-powered passenger cars and hybrid vehicles registered before 4 October 2020 were required to display a different style of label. 

These labels are still permitted and don’t need to be replaced. If you need new labels (e.g. if replacing number plates), you’ll be given the new style of label. 

Hydrogen-powered vehicles 

A vehicle needs ‘H’ number plate labels on each number plate if it’s powered by a hydrogen fuel system. 

If the vehicle is fitted with one hydrogen fuel container, 1 hydrogen-powered number plate label is required. If the vehicle is fitted with 2 or more hydrogen fuel containers, 2 hydrogen-powered number plate labels are required. 

The labels must be:

  • a regular pentagonal shape, each side of which is 20 millimetres in length
  • made of metal and be at least 1 millimetre thick
  • reflective yellow
  • marked with “H” in an upright position on the label in a black capital letters at least 10 millimetres high.

Yellow hydrogen powered vehicle label

How do I attach the labels?

Ensure the surface of the number plate is clean and free from any dust, dirt, oil etc.

Attach the label to each number plate, either using the adhesive backing of the label, or using the pop rivet(s). 

The label must not obscure any of the number plate’s characters or numbers. 

Where can I get the labels from?

Electric and hydrogen vehicle number plate labels are available from VicRoads Customer Service Centres. A fee applies.

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