Types of Number Plates in India: A Complete Guide

With more than 74 million registered vehicles, India has one of the highest number of vehicles on road globally ^[1]. However, this number keeps increasing each year as newer models are launched by car manufacturers, leading to more sales. Not only does this increase the burden on the existing infrastructure, but it also increases the number of road accidents that can take place. As a car owner, you can financially protect yourself and your loved ones from these road mishaps with the help of motor insurance. Along with motor insurance, another vital document for your car is the registration certificate. This certificate shows the registration number and location of your car. The same is displayed on your car’s number plate. There are different types of number plates in India. If you wish to know about them, here is more information related to the different car number plates in India.

What is a Number Plate?

The number plate is a plate which is required to be attached to the front and rear of your vehicle as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. This plate displays the registration number of your vehicle. The registration number is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The first two initials denote the state where the vehicle has been registered, for example, MH stands for Maharashtra. It is followed by two digits which denote the RTO from where it got the passing certificate, example 01 is Tardeo in Mumbai. This is followed by two or three alphabets which denote the passing series, for example, if the initials are DA, the car belongs to DA passing series. The last four digits can be a combination of numeric code which is unique to your vehicle only. The international registration code for India is IND, which is also displayed on the number plate.

Different Types of Number Plates in India

Different Types of Number Plates with Their Guidelines

There are eight types of number plates in India that you might come across. These are:

1. White number plate

The most common type of number plate in India, these have black lettering on them. A white number plate is used for non-transport vehicles, i.e., private vehicles only. Vehicles with white number plates cannot be used for commercial purposes.

2. Yellow number plate

This number plate is used by vehicles that are used for commercial purposes. Taxis, private cabs, trucks, and buses have yellow number plates. The number plate is issued only if the owner has the required commercial permit for their vehicle.

3. Green number plate

This number plate is used by vehicles that are fully electric. Electric cars and bikes, e-rickshaws, and buses are the ones displaying this number plate. One other distinction is the white lettering on them instead of black.

4. Black number plate

This number has yellow numbering on it. Vehicles with black number plates are used by businesses that provide vehicles for rent. If you were to rent a car, it would come with a black number plate. Vehicles with this number plate are commonly used by luxury hotels. The driver does not require to have a commercial driving permit to drive a vehicle with this number plate.

5. Blue number plate

Vehicles displaying a blue number plate are used to transport foreign diplomats. There are different codes displayed on them. These codes are UN for United Nations, CC for Consular Corps, and DC for Diplomatic Corps. As these are used for diplomatic purposes, they bear a code for the country to which the diplomat belongs.

6. Red number plate

A red number plate in India is issued for vehicles that are awaiting their permanent registration from the RTO. Temporary registration mostly has a validity of one month. Each state has its own set of rules related to temporary registration. Many states do not allow red number-plated vehicles to ply on the road.

7. Number plate with an upward arrow

Number plates that have an upward pointing arrow belong to the defence personnel and the Ministry of Defence.

8. Red number plate with the Indian emblem

Vehicles belonging to the President of India and the Governors of each state have a red number plate on them. The uniqueness of this is that they display the Indian emblem on them.

Components of a Number Plate

1. Region Code: This represents the state or region where the vehicle is registered. It is typically displayed as one or two letters at the beginning of the number plate.
2. District Code: Some number plates may include a district code that further narrows down the location of registration, usually displayed after the region code.
3. Registration Number: A unique identifier assigned to the vehicle. This may consist of a series of letters and numbers that are sequential or randomly allocated.
4. State Emblem: In many countries, the number plate may feature the state or national emblem to indicate official registration.
5. License Plate Color: The background color and text color on the number plate often vary by vehicle type, such as white for private vehicles, yellow for commercial vehicles, or green for electric vehicles.
6. Security Features: In modern number plates, security features like holograms, QR codes, or RFID chips may be included to prevent counterfeiting.
7. Expiry Date or Seal (Optional): Some number plates have a date indicating the registration expiry, along with a seal for authentication.

What is a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP)?

A High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is a secure, tamper-proof number plate that aims to prevent vehicle theft. Made of aluminum, HSRPs are equipped with features like a unique chromium-based hologram showing the Ashoka Chakra and a non-reusable snap lock. These plates also have a 10-digit PIN laser-etched onto them, which links to a central vehicle database, aiding authorities in tracking and identifying vehicles. These plates became mandatory for all newly registered vehicles in 2019, and owners of older vehicles are required to retrofit them to enhance safety.

1. Made from aluminum for durability.
2. Tamper-proof with a snap lock feature.
3. Includes a unique hologram with Ashoka Chakra.
4. 10-digit laser-etched PIN links to the national database.
5. Mandatory for vehicles registered post-April 2019.

Laws Related to Number Plates in India

Vehicle number plate regulations in India, governed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, require all vehicles to display a registration number at the front and rear. To enhance security, HSRPs with tamper-proof features and unique serials are mandated. The law specifies color and format: private vehicles use white plates with black letters, commercial vehicles use yellow with black letters, and electric vehicles use green with white or yellow letters, depending on usage. Any decorative fonts, obscured plates, or other modifications lead to fines or vehicle impoundment.

1. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways oversees regulations.
2. Displayed at the front and rear as per the Motor Vehicle Act.
3. High-Security Registration Plates are required for theft prevention.
4. Format, font, and color vary by vehicle type (e.g., private, commercial).
5. Electric vehicles have a green plate for easy identification.
6. Fines apply for improper or altered number plates.

Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India

Indian rules require vehicles to have visible, color-coded number plates at the front and rear. For easy identification, private vehicles use white with black lettering, commercial vehicles use yellow with black lettering, and electric vehicles have green plates. High-Security Registration Plates are mandatory to improve traceability and safety, while customized fonts or altered plates are illegal and attract fines.

1. Mandatory front and rear display.
2. Color-coded plates for private (white), commercial (yellow), and electric (green) vehicles.
3. HSRPs required for new vehicles since 2019.
4. Prohibits decorative fonts and obscured plates.

What is the Bharat number plate?

Many working professionals have been relocating to different cities from time to time as a part of their job description. If you own a vehicle and are required to relocate to another state, you would be required to register your vehicle in that other state after relocation. You are initially allowed to ply the road for a period of one year without registering in that state. However, once that period is over, you are required to register your vehicle to avoid paying fines. As this process can be tedious, the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways introduced the Bharat number plate in 2021. This number plate allows you to relocate to another state without the requirement of registering your vehicle there. Do keep in mind that this number plate is issued to only a selected category of employees such as those belonging to the state or central government, defence, or firms with offices in multiple locations across India. * Standard T&C Apply

Connection Between Car Insurance and Number Plate

Your car insurance policy displays all the details related to your car, including the registration number.  If you have purchased a new car and want to buy insurance, you can make the vehicle insurance payment online only if you have a valid registration. Most insurers do not allow insurance to be issued on the basis of temporary registration. You would be required to get a new number plate in India to buy insurance. * Standard T&C Apply

Conclusion

This is how you can classify one number plate from another. Do remember to get car insurance for your car for better protection. Use the vehicle insurance calculator to get suitable quotes. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

FAQS Related to Types of Number Plates

Is a front number plate required in India?

Yes, according to Indian law, all vehicles must display a registration number plate both at the front and rear. The Motor Vehicle Act mandates this for easy identification and regulation of vehicles on the road.

What color is a VIP number plate?

VIP number plates in India usually have special numbers, but they adhere to the standard color code based on the vehicle type. Private vehicles with VIP numbers still use white plates with black text, while commercial VIP vehicles use yellow plates with black text.

Can I use a number plate with various colors?

No, the color of number plates in India is strictly regulated. Private vehicles must have white plates with black lettering, commercial vehicles must have yellow plates with black lettering, and electric vehicles have green plates. Any deviation from these standard colors is not permitted.

How can I get a new number plate in India?

To obtain a new number plate, visit your regional RTO (Regional Transport Office) or authorized vendor. For High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), registration is required either online or directly at the RTO, and these are typically provided by authorized manufacturers.

Is it allowed to have a number plate in different colors?

No, vehicles must follow the designated color codes based on their category, as set by the government. Using a different color is illegal and can result in penalties.

Can I get a green number plate for my petrol or diesel vehicle?

No, green number plates are exclusively for electric vehicles in India. Petrol or diesel vehicles must use white or yellow plates, depending on whether they are private or commercial.

What alphabets are excluded from the RTO series?

The alphabets I, O, Q, U, and Z are excluded from the RTO number plate series in India. What do the first two letters of the permanent registration number refer to? The first two letters of the permanent registration number refer to the state or union territory where the vehicle is registered.

Is it mandatory to get a front number plate in India?

Yes, it is mandatory to have a front number plate in India for most vehicles, except for certain two-wheelers where only a rear number plate is required.

Who is eligible for the BH series?

The BH (Bharat) series is primarily for employees of the central government, state government, and public sector undertakings who are transferred frequently across states.

Where is DD registration?

DD registration is used for vehicles registered in the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu union territories.

Is BH registration cheaper?

BH registration might not be cheaper, but it offers the benefit of a seamless vehicle transfer across states without needing a re-registration, which can save time and money in the long run.