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8 min read
Updated on Feb 15, 2024
We all have seen different kinds of colorful number plates in different vehicles in India. However, do you know what these colors represent? Read on to know their meaning. Different types of number plates on different vehicles represent different meanings. Let us read about the various number plate types in India in this blog to help you understand their meaning before you buy your vehicle.
A number plate is a vehicle registration plate, which is an aluminum plate fixed to the front and rear of a vehicle to display the registration number of the vehicle. The numbers and letters on the number plate signify specific details of a vehicle and serve the vehicle’s identity.
A vehicle number plate also known as a license plate in India has some components that a vehicle owner should know. Below are the various component details of the number plates of vehicles in India.
The initial two numbers of an Indian vehicle number plate denote the state of registration of the vehicle. For instance, a car that is registered in Assam will have the ‘AS’ as the first two letters to connote the state name.
The next digits connote the RTO or the Regional Transport Office in which the vehicle is registered.
Next, each vehicle has a unique alpha-numeric code, which serves as the third component of the vehicle number plate.
Finally, the component at the end implies the international registration code of India – “IND”
In India, you would come across 8 different types of number plates. These are –
A number plate is the same as the vehicle registration plate. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) of different states issues different number plates in India for vehicles registered in their states. As per RTO rule, the number plates are to be fixed in the rear and front of a vehicle to offer clarity and visibility.
There are 8 types of Indian number plates available, including, White, Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, and Black number plates along with a number plate that has an arrow pointing upward and a Red color number plate that has India’s emblem etched on it. All these plates represent different number plate designs and meanings.
Also Read: Bharat Series Number Plates
The white number plates having black letters is what is normally used. It is the most popular type of number plate that you get while registering your vehicle. These registration numbers are specifically used for vehicles that are private used and cannot be used for commercial vehicles.
Yellow number plates are used only for the purpose of commercial driving and commercial vehicles. These number plates have black text on a yellow background. Drivers driving cars with these number plates should compulsorily have commercial permission to drive such vehicles.
The green number plates seen on the roads these days represent electric cars. The green number plates in India are used for both electric buses and other commercial and private electric vehicles.
The black number plates are used for hotel transport, especially for the luxury hotels. Further, cars with black number plates are used as commercial vehicles. Moreover, these cars can be used by drivers without a commercial license for driving.
The red number plates in India are allocated to brand new cars as a temporary number plate of vehicle registration. In this case, the car owner is likely to receive a permanent number plate allocated by the RTO soon. The temporary vehicle registrations are available with a validity of one month. Depending on the state you reside, the rules of obtaining a temporary red number plate for vehicle registration differ. Some states in India don’t permit vehicles to drive with temporary vehicle number plates.
The blue number plates in India are specifically reserved for foreign diplomats and are allocated by the relevant authorities. These vehicles have a blue background with white letters on them. These number plates come with alphabets like DC, CC, UN to represent Diplomatic Corps, Consular Corps and United Nations respectively. These plates are available with the diplomat’s country code rather than having a state code.
These number plates are devised for military vehicles. If you observe an armed forces vehicle closely you will notice that these vehicles have a unique style of number plate. The registration of the numbers of military vehicles is done under the Defense ministry. These number plates have arrows pointing upwards, which are called Broad Arrow. Besides, the number plate also specifies the year in which the vehicle was acquired, along with offering the base code, the serial number and finally the vehicle category.
This number plate is a unique one that comes with India’s emblem in golden color. These vehicles belong to the President of India or to the Governor of States.
Also Read: Vehicle owner details by number plate
Also Read: Traffic violation check by vehicle number
The Motors Vehicles Act of 1988 specifies that each and every vehicle that are plying on the Indian roads should compulsorily have a valid license plate with RTO registration.
From 1st October 2020, some new motor laws came into effect in India as mentioned below:
Now, let’s see how the number plates are distinguished based on validity and security. In terms of validity, the number plates can be distinguished as temporary and permanent number plates.
Also Read: What is a High Security Number Plate (HSRP)?
To obtain a number plate for your vehicle, you have to go through the process of vehicle registration. Generally, the motor dealer whom you buy your new vehicle from takes care of both the processes of vehicle registration and the procurement of the number plate. However, if you prefer to get the process done on your own, you can follow the steps below:
1. | Go to the RTO with your new vehicle |
2. | Carry the duly filled forms and submit them along with other documents |
3. | The forms and the other papers will be verified by the RTO superintendent |
4. | You will have to pay the registration fee and road tax at the concerned counters |
5. | Your vehicle will be inspected by an officer to match the details mentioned in the papers you have submitted |
6. | Once the inspection is completed, the RTO will issue your vehicle registration number (RC) and receipt |
You can obtain your High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) after getting the RC from the RTO. The HSRP number plates are available at the RTO as well as with the RTO-authorised sellers.
HSRP is a type of number plate in India that is tamper-proof. It is made of aluminum and has a unique code etched with a laser and an Ashoka Chakra hologram underneath the international code of the country.
There are certain rules about the different types of number plates in India as mentioned below:
The registration number of the vehicles should be painted on the left and right sides of the vehicle
As already discussed, now you are aware of the different number plates that are used for different vehicles. Further, you also know about the different color schemes that are applicable for different vehicles. These rules are also applicable for bike number plate designs. The new updated rules have made the process of differentiating between vehicles easy and hassle-free.
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The RTO issues a total of 8 different types of license plates in India.
The red number plate means in India that the vehicle belongs to the President of India
Black number plates in India are generally used for self-rental vehicles including bikes and cars.
The blue number plate means that the vehicle belongs to a foreign diplomatic mission like an embassy or consulate.
The yellow number plates in India distinguish commercial vehicles from private vehicles.
You can register your vehicle with the RTO in your city to receive a new number plate.
No, it is not allowed to personalize number plates in India.
A temporary vehicle number plate is provided to new vehicles from the RTO till the permanent number plate for the vehicle is available.
No, one cannot use any random color for number plates in India. Only the colors specified for the particular number plate type are allowed.
Green number plates in India are available only for electric vehicles.
Yes, high-security number plates are compulsory for all new vehicles running on Indian roads.
PayBima Team
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