What is an EV green flash plate?
An EV green flash plate is a standard white Irish number plate with an additional vertical green band on the right-hand side (mirroring the Euroband on the left). The green band visually identifies the vehicle as a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Which vehicles qualify?
Only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) — i.e., vehicles powered solely by an electric motor with an on-board battery — are eligible for the green flash. Hybrid vehicles (PHEV, mild hybrid) do not qualify.
Is the green flash mandatory?
No — it is optional. S.I. 268/2025 permits BEV owners to use the green flash on their plates, but does not require them to do so. Existing BEV owners can continue using standard white plates without penalty.
What does the legislation say?
S.I. 268/2025 — Roads Acts 1993 to 2024, Road Traffic (Licensing of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 — came into force on 1 July 2025. It amended the Road Traffic (Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations to permit the additional green band on registration plates fitted to battery electric vehicles.
Specifications for the green flash band
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Position | Right-hand side of plate (opposite the Euroband) |
| Colour | Green (#009A44) |
| Width | Approximately equal to the Euroband width |
| Content | BEV identifier text |
| Background | Rest of plate remains standard white |