License Plates

New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

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New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

August 27, 2015

Four new specialty license plates to help personalize and customize your vehicle are now available for purchase from ADOT's Motor Vehicle Division.

Supporting your favorite charity has never looked so good! Four new Arizona specialty license plates are now available for purchase from MVD and each one supports a different organization…

The new plates feature designs that spotlight the Arizona Coyotes, Midwestern University, the U.S. Marine Corps and Firefighter Safety Training. In addition to these new specialty plates, the Classic Car license plate is now available for personalization.

As we mentioned before, the funds raised by each plate will go to support a different charity.

  • The money raised by the Arizona Coyotes license plate will go to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations that serve children and service men and women with health care, education, cultural arts and youth sports in the state of Arizona.
  • Funds raised by the Midwestern University license plate will go to support scholarships for students studying health sciences.
  • The U.S. Marine Corps license plate funds will be used to award scholarships to children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen killed or wounded in combat or those children who have demonstrated financial need. This plate is also available for motorcycles and golf carts.
  • The money raised by the Firefighter Safety Training license plate will be used to provide scholarships for life safety training of firefighters in Arizona.

Specialty license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities. Vehicle owners can order the new plates online at ServiceArizona.com or at any MVD office or Authorized Third Party business. The plates are also available with a disability symbol.

To learn more about specialty plates, including the steps an organization or group must take to get a plate approved, you can revisit this blog post. If you’re really interested in license plates, which we’re assuming you are because you’re reading this right now (!!), check out this post that takes a look at how plates are made.

New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

I-17 101 traffic interchange

New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

August 24, 2015

PHOENIX – Four new specialty license plates to help personalize and customize your vehicle are now available for purchase from the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The new plate designs include Arizona Coyotes, Midwestern University, U.S. Marine Corps and Firefighter Safety Training.

Like many of Arizona’s specialty license plates, these four support specific charities. Funds raised by the Arizona Coyotes license plate will go to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations that serve children and service men and women with health care, education, cultural arts and youth sports in the state of Arizona.

“We are very excited that Coyotes license plates are finally available in Arizona,” said Arizona Coyotes Co-Owner, President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc. “We hope our great fans purchase the Coyotes plates to show their support for our team and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation.”

midwestern-university
Funds raised by the Midwestern University license plate will go to support scholarships for students studying health sciences.

“Our student scholarship programs have always benefitted greatly from generous community support,” said Midwestern University President and CEO Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D. “We are very grateful to both ADOT and to the legislature that we could create a new avenue to augment scholarship funds, and also allow our friends and family to show their pride in our wonderful university.”

usmc
Funds for the U.S. Marine Corps license plate will be used to award scholarships to children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen killed or wounded in combat or those children who have demonstrated financial need. This plate is also available for motorcycles and golf carts.

“It’s a real honor for me to be able to pay tribute to the Marines who serve our country so selflessly by helping to create this U.S. Marine Corps specialty license plate,” said former Marine Corps Captain Ira M. Shapiro. “Proceeds from the license plate fee will flow to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation which helps us honor Marines and Navy Corpsmen by educating their children. The Scholarship Foundation is a tremendous organization that invests in our children and will improve our community for years to come.”

Funds for the Firefighter Safety Training license plate will be used to provide scholarships for life safety training of firefighters in Arizona.

firefighter-safety-training
“The Arizona State Fire Training Committee appreciates both ADOT and our state legislative support to provide crucial life safety training to Arizona’s rural firefighters,” said Committee Member Randy Redmond.

In addition to these new specialty plates, the Classic Car license plate is now available for personalization.

Specialty license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities. Vehicle owners can order the new plates online at ServiceArizona.com or at any MVD office or Authorized Third Party business.

The plates are also available with a disability symbol.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

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Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

May 6, 2015

The maximum limit of 10,000 plates has been reached.

The availability of energy-efficient license plates for owners of qualified vehicles has ended as the maximum number of plate applications has been reached.

In May 2014, 1,800 energy-efficient license plates became available as previous owners of the plates turned them in due to moving out of state, selling their qualifying vehicle or other reasons.

Plates were available on a first-come, first-served basis and were exclusively distributed through ServiceArizona.com.

The energy-efficient plate program was established by the federal government. The program, which offers a maximum of 10,000 license plates in Arizona, allows owners of qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to receive a plate and use the HOV lane during rush hours regardless of the number of passengers.

While the energy-efficient plate program is suspended until further notice, ADOT will continue to update the list of eligible vehicles pending resumption of the program. Also, those vehicle owners who already have an energy-efficient plate can still transfer the plate to another currently qualifying vehicle they own while the program is suspended.

For more information about the program, including a list of qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, please visit azdot.gov/eev.

Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

Availability of energy-efficient vehicle license plates has ended

May 6, 2015

PHOENIX – The availability of energy-efficient license plates for owners of qualified vehicles has ended as the maximum number of plate applications has been reached, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division announced today.

In May 2014, 1,800 energy-efficient license plates became available as previous owners of the plates turned them in due to moving out of state, selling their qualifying vehicle or other reasons.

Plates were available on a first-come, first-served basis and were exclusively distributed through ServiceArizona.com.

The energy-efficient plate program was established by the federal government. The program, which offers a maximum of 10,000 license plates in Arizona, allows owners of qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to receive a plate and use the HOV lane during rush hours regardless of the number of passengers.

While the energy-efficient plate program is suspended until further notice, ADOT will continue to update the list of eligible vehicles pending resumption of the program. Also, those vehicle owners who already have an energy-efficient plate can still transfer the plate to another currently qualifying vehicle they own while the program is suspended.

For more information about the program, including a list of qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, please visit azdot.gov/eev.

Understanding the Energy Efficient Plate and Alternative Fuel Vehicle programs

Understanding the Energy Efficient Plate and Alternative Fuel Vehicle programs

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Understanding the Energy Efficient Plate and Alternative Fuel Vehicle programs

Understanding the Energy Efficient Plate and Alternative Fuel Vehicle programs

October 9, 2014

*** UPDATE (5/6/15) *** The availability of energy-efficient license plates for owners of qualified vehicles has ended as the maximum number of plate applications has been reached.

Please see our recent blog post for the latest.

We’ve blogged about the Energy Efficient license plate program a couple of times in the past few months (you might remember THIS blog post or THIS one). Today, we’re at it again. We don’t have much to say on the subject, but we do have something to show you...

The infographic below is intended to help explain the Energy Efficient Plate and Alternative Fuel Vehicle programs. Check it out for a good overview of the two programs. As always, you can visit our MVD website for more details on both the Alternative Fuel Vehicle program and the Energy Efficient Plate program.

*** UPDATE *** This infographic has been updated since it was first published. The update includes the addition of qualifying 2015 vehicle models. More information can be found on our website.

New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

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New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

September 24, 2014

Three new specialty plate options are now available.

Supporting your favorite cause has never looked so good…

Three new specialty license plates now available from MVD.

The new plates include a Girls Youth Organization plate to support the Girl Scouts; an Arizona Motorsports Commemorative plate for Phoenix International Raceway; and a redesigned Phoenix Suns plate. Like many of Arizona’s specialty plates, these three support specific charities.

Funds raised by the Girl Scouts plate will provide enriching experiences in Arizona’s Girl Scouts program, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects and cultural exchanges.

The money from The Phoenix International Raceway license plate will go to Motorsports Charities to provide resources and charitable support for children through education, medical treatment, dream experiences and volunteerism.

The redesigned Phoenix Suns plate will continue to support Phoenix Suns Charities for youth education and development, college scholarship programs and community development.

More of the details

The license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities. Vehicle owners can purchase the new plates at any MVD or Authorized Third Party office location or online at ServiceArizona.com.

Because the Phoenix Suns license plate is a new design, anyone with the current plate design can request the new plate design for a $5 replacement fee. However, the redesigned plate has six characters instead of the seven that are on the current Suns plate. So those with a personalized Suns plate with seven characters would not be able to transfer their personalization to the new design. They can reapply for the new design, but would have to start the application process from the beginning. The older, original Phoenix Suns license plate design is still valid for use.

There are no special requirements to get the license plates. The plates are also available with a disability symbol.

Specialty plates

Even though ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division issues license plates, ADOT and MVD do NOT choose which plates get approved. That decision is actually a function of the legislative process.

So, if you’re part of a nonprofit group looking to get a plate for your cause, you’ll need to get the attention of your state lawmakers. A bill sponsored through the legislature must pass and then be signed into law by the governor before any specialty plate can be manufactured.

Once that step is cleared, the group pays an implementation fee to cover all programming costs and production.

The group then works on the plate design alongside ADOT/MVD. Guidelines for the design ensure that plates are readable from 100 yards and aren’t too busy. Once a final design is agreed on, prototype plates are created for review. Law enforcement officials, representatives of the nonprofit group and MVD’s director must sign off on the plate before production begins.

For more information on the new specialty plates, please visit azdot.gov/mvd. You can also check out our previous license plate posts, including this one that explains how plates are made and this one that goes into even more detail on the specialty plate approval process.

New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

I-17 101 traffic interchange

New specialty license plates now available

New specialty license plates now available

September 23, 2014

PHOENIX – Three new specialty license plates to help personalize and customize your vehicle are now available for purchase from the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The new plates include a Girls Youth Organization plate to support the Girl Scouts; an Arizona Motorsports Commemorative plate for Phoenix International Raceway; and a redesigned Phoenix Suns plate.

Like many of Arizona’s specialty license plates, these three support specific charities. Funds raised by the Girls Youth Organization license plate will provide enriching experiences in Arizona’s Girl Scouts program, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects and cultural exchanges.

“We are thrilled to have a Girl Scout license plate. It’s a great way for parents and alumnae to show their support and $17 of the proceeds goes directly back to local Girl Scouts. Each license plate is actually an investment in Arizona girls and our future,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.  

Funds raised by the Phoenix International Raceway license plate will go to Motorsports Charities to provide resources and charitable support for children through education, medical treatment, dream experiences and volunteerism.

pir

“We are thrilled to be able to help race fans show their NASCAR pride with this license plate and to support a great cause in the process,” said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. “The idea for a custom plate was spurred by fan requests, so we are proud to make this available to them. The plates also create a wonderful legacy from our 50th Anniversary that will last well beyond this year.”

The redesigned Phoenix Suns plate will continue to support Phoenix Suns Charities for youth education and development, college scholarship programs and community development.

phoenix-suns061014-sm

The license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities. Vehicle owners can purchase the new plates at any MVD or Authorized Third Party office location or online at ServiceArizona.com.

Because the Phoenix Suns license plate is a new design, anyone with the current plate design can request the new plate design for a $5 replacement fee. However, the redesigned plate has six characters instead of the seven that are on the current Suns plate. So those with a personalized Suns plate with seven characters would not be able to transfer their personalization to the new design. They can reapply for the new design, but would have to start the application process from the beginning.

The older, original Phoenix Suns license plate design is still valid for use.

There are no special requirements to get the license plates. The plates are also available with a disability symbol.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

List of vehicles for the 'Clean Air Blue Skies' plates expanded

List of vehicles for the 'Clean Air Blue Skies' plates expanded

I-17 101 traffic interchange

List of vehicles for the 'Clean Air Blue Skies' plates expanded

List of vehicles for the 'Clean Air Blue Skies' plates expanded

August 5, 2014

PHOENIX — On May 20, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division created another opportunity for specific hybrid vehicle owners to obtain one of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Energy Efficient license plates. At the time of the release of the latest series of plates, there were six initial vehicles on the qualifying list and now three additional vehicles have since been added.

The federal program, which began in 2007 as a pilot, is designed to test the impact of allowing 10,000 hybrid vehicles to have access to the HOV lanes in Arizona during peak travel times without occupancy restrictions. The maximum limit of 10,000 plates is still part of program stipulations; there are 1,800 of the special plates now available as a result of non-renewed or canceled registrations.

Until Sept. 30, 2017, states may allow low emission vehicles, and those certified and labeled as low emission and energy-efficient vehicles (including alternative fuel vehicles) that do not meet the established occupancy requirements to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes so long as the state establishes procedures to enforce the restrictions on the use by these vehicles.

The program requirements for qualifying vehicles remain the same as announced on May 20, limited to only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is the federal authority that establishes the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles. When vehicles are added to the qualifying list, ADOT will immediately update Arizona’s qualifying list.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be driven for a longer period of time on solely electric power, reducing both the amount of fuel consumed and tailpipe emissions released compared to normal hybrid vehicles. Reduced vehicle pollution supports the purpose of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” program by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles to improve the air quality in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

To qualify for the Energy Efficient plate, a customer must own one of the following plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from specific model years, which must be currently registered at the time of application: Chevrolet Volt (2011-2014), Fisker Automotive Karma (2012), Ford C-MAX Energi (2013-2014), Ford Fusion Energi (2013-2014), Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (2014), and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012-2014). The following vehicles have been added to the qualifying list: BMW i3 Range Extender (2014), Cadillac ELR (2014) and the Porsche Panamera S E Hybrid (2014).

If qualified, the vehicle owner must complete the online Energy Efficient plate application process located only on ServiceArizona.com and submit a payment of $8 (initial application fee) plus postage and handling. Plates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Energy Efficient plates will not be distributed at Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third-Party offices. The standard Arizona vehicle license tax applies to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Those with a temporary registration paper plate or permit are not eligible until the owner actually receives an issued license plate.

After completing the Energy-Efficient license plate application and the customer chooses to have the disability emblem added, the customer must complete a Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application found at the MVD forms library. The completed application form must be mailed to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division-Special Plates Unit; P.O. Box 2100-Mail Drop 801Z; Phoenix 85001-2100.

Customers with a vehicle that qualified under the previous program (Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and non-plug-in Toyota Prius) and is currently registered with an Energy Efficient plate will be allowed to continue to use their plate on that vehicle and drive in the HOV lane until they sell/transfer the vehicle. The Energy Efficient issued plate may only be transferred to a qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that is owned or leased by the same registered owner.

Drivers are reminded that this is a federal- and state-approved program that could be changed or ended at any time. For more information on the Energy Efficient Plate Program, application process and qualifying vehicles, please visit the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division website at azdot.gov/mvd.

Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

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Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

Additional energy efficient license plates now available exclusively for plug-in hybrids

May 20, 2014

Program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

*** UPDATE (5/6/15) *** The availability of energy-efficient license plates for owners of qualified vehicles has ended as the maximum number of plate applications has been reached.

Please see our recent blog post for the latest.

Beginning today (May 20), specific hybrid vehicle owners will have another opportunity to obtain one of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Energy Efficient license plates being made available by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The federal program, which began in 2007 as a pilot, is designed to test the impact of allowing 10,000 hybrid vehicles to use the HOV lanes in Arizona during peak travel times without occupancy restrictions. ADOT is again offering the opportunity to Arizona owners of qualifying vehicles to obtain a “Clean Air – Blue Skies” plate for unrestricted access to HOV lanes. The maximum limit of 10,000 is still part of program stipulations; there are 1,800 of the special plates now available as a result of non-renewed or canceled registrations.

Until Sept. 30, 2017, states may allow low emission vehicles, and those certified and labeled as low emission and energy-efficient vehicles (including alternative fuel vehicles) that do not meet the established occupancy requirements to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes so long as the state establishes procedures to enforce the restrictions on the use by these vehicles.

The program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

Qualifying vehicles will be limited to include only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles according to the certification list established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is responsible for issuing the rules that establish the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be driven for a longer period of time on solely electric power, reducing both the amount of fuel consumed and tailpipe emissions released compared to normal hybrid vehicles. Reduced vehicle pollution supports the purpose of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” program by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles to improve the air quality in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

To qualify for the Energy Efficient plate, a customer must own one of the following plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from specific model years, which must be currently registered at the time of application: Chevrolet Volt (2011-2014), Fisker Automotive Karma (2012), Ford C-MAX Energi (2013-2014), Ford Fusion Energi (2013-2014), Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (2014), and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012-2014). (UPDATE: Please see our most recent blog post for additional details on qualifying vehicles.)

If qualified, the vehicle owner must complete the online Energy Efficient plate application process located only on ServiceArizona.com and submit a payment of $8 (initial application fee) plus postage and handling. Plates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Energy Efficient plates will not be distributed at Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third-Party offices. The standard Arizona vehicle license tax applies to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Only owners of currently registered, qualifying vehicles under the revised program requirements will be able to secure one of the 1,800 plates. Those with a temporary registration paper plate or permit are not eligible until the owner actually receives an issued license plate.

After completing the Energy-Efficient license plate application and the customer chooses to have the disability emblem added, the customer must complete a Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application. The completed application form must be mailed to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division-Special Plates Unit; P.O. Box 2100-Mail Drop 801Z; Phoenix 85001-2100.

Customers with a vehicle that qualified under the previous program (Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and non-plug-in Toyota Prius) and is currently registered with an Energy Efficient plate will be allowed to continue to use their plate on that vehicle and drive in the HOV lane until they sell/transfer the vehicle. The Energy Efficient plate may only be transferred to a qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that is owned or leased by the same registered owner.

Drivers are reminded that this is a federal- and state-approved program that could be changed or ended at any time. For more information on the Energy Efficient Plate Program, application process and qualifying vehicles, please visit the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division website.

Additional energy-efficient license plates now available from ADOT

Additional energy-efficient license plates now available from ADOT

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Additional energy-efficient license plates now available from ADOT

Additional energy-efficient license plates now available from ADOT

May 20, 2014

PHOENIX — Beginning May 20, specific hybrid vehicle owners will have another opportunity to obtain one of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Energy Efficient license plates being made available by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The federal program, which began in 2007 as a pilot, is designed to test the impact of allowing 10,000 hybrid vehicles to use the HOV lanes in Arizona during peak travel times without occupancy restrictions. ADOT is again offering the opportunity to Arizona owners of qualifying vehicles to obtain a “Clean Air – Blue Skies” plate for unrestricted access to HOV lanes. The maximum limit of 10,000 is still part of program stipulations; there are 1,800 of the special plates now available as a result of non-renewed or canceled registrations.

Until Sept. 30, 2017, states may allow low emission vehicles, and those certified and labeled as low emission and energy-efficient vehicles (including alternative fuel vehicles) that do not meet the established occupancy requirements to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes so long as the state establishes procedures to enforce the restrictions on the use by these vehicles.

The program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

Qualifying vehicles will be limited to include only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles according to the certification list established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is responsible for issuing the rules that establish the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be driven for a longer period of time on solely electric power, reducing both the amount of fuel consumed and tailpipe emissions released compared to normal hybrid vehicles. Reduced vehicle pollution supports the purpose of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” program by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles to improve the air quality in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

To qualify for the Energy Efficient plate, a customer must own one of the following plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from specific model years, which must be currently registered at the time of application: Chevrolet Volt (2011-2014), Fisker Automotive Karma (2012), Ford C-MAX Energi (2013-2014), Ford Fusion Energi (2013-2014), Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (2014), and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012-2014).

If qualified, the vehicle owner must complete the online Energy Efficient plate application process located only on ServiceArizona.com and submit a payment of $8 (initial application fee) plus postage and handling. Plates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Energy Efficient plates will not be distributed at Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third-Party offices. The standard Arizona vehicle license tax applies to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Only owners of currently registered, qualifying vehicles under the revised program requirements will be able to secure one of the 1,800 plates. Those with a temporary registration paper plate or permit are not eligible until the owner actually receives an issued license plate.

After completing the Energy-Efficient license plate application and the customer chooses to have the disability emblem added, the customer must complete a Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application found online at the MVD Forms Library. The completed application form must be mailed to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division-Special Plates Unit; P.O. Box 2100-Mail Drop 801Z; Phoenix 85001-2100.

Customers with a vehicle that qualified under the previous program (Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and non-plug-in Toyota Prius) and is currently registered with an Energy Efficient plate will be allowed to continue to use their plate on that vehicle and drive in the HOV lane until they sell/transfer the vehicle. The Energy Efficient plate may only be transferred to a qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that is owned or leased by the same registered owner.

Drivers are reminded that this is a federal- and state-approved program that could be changed or ended at any time. For more information on the Energy Efficient Plate Program, application process and qualifying vehicles, please visit the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division website at azdot.gov/mvd.