If you own an EV, hybrid or hydrogen car, state laws require certain warning labels to be placed on your license plate. These labels serve as a safety measure to protect both drivers and emergency responders in the event of an accident. By indicating the presence of a large battery in the vehicle, these labels help ensure that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent any potential hazards. So, if you own one of these future-focused vehicles, rest assured that by using these labels, you’re doing your part to promote safety on the road.
What are the EV, hybrid and hydrogen vehicle warning label regulations?
All electric vehicles in the ACT and NSW must display a blue triangular ‘EV’ label, and hydrogen vehicles must display a yellow pentagonal ‘H’ label on front and rear number plates. This only applies to vehicles built after 1 January 2019.
Rules state labels must be affixed in an upright position on the plates, not attached to the frames or covers, and without obscuring any characters or the state of issue. They must be a sticker on a metal plate at least 1mm thick, not just a sticker. The preferred method of attachment is to use screws, pop rivets or bolts.
What are my responsibilities as an EV, hybrid or hydrogen vehicle owner?
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the correct safety labels are on the front and rear number plates of their electric, hybrid or hydrogen vehicle. If they don’t, penalties apply including a defect notice and/or a fine. In the ACT the fine is $257.
How do I get EV, hybrid or hydrogen vehicle warning labels?
NSW residents can get replacement labels from any Service NSW centre or from their mechanic or motor dealer. ACT residents can visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au or contact the Vehicle Safety Standards team in Access Canberra via vitu@act.gov.au.
Summary
- Every EV, hybrid and hydrogen vehicle must display a warning label on its front and rear number plate.
- The warning labels are to help ensure that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent any potential hazards in the event of an accident.
- Failure to display the correct label could result in a penalty or fine.
- NSW residents can get replacement labels from any Service NSW centre or from their mechanic or motor dealer. ACT residents can visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au or contact the Vehicle Safety Standards team in Access Canberra via vitu@act.gov.au.
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Sources
https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-07/How%20to%20affix%20your%20labels.pdf
