Number plates serve as a unique identifier for your vehicle as well as a legal requirement. Did you know that there are different types of number plates according to the New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India? Here in this article, we are going to discuss the different types of number plates in India, their importance, and the New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India.
What is a Number Plate?
A number plate is a type of aluminium plate with lettering and numbering on the front and back of the vehicle. It shows the registration number of the vehicle. A number plate, also known as a license plate or licence plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. It displays the registration number assigned to the vehicle by the relevant authority, typically the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India. The New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India have suggested a few new regulations for number plates.
New Rules for vehicle number plates in India 2024
Here are some New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India.
- There should not be any type of graphics or explanatory text on the number plate.
- The back number plate of the transport truck shall be mounted to the right side at a height of one metre from the ground.
- Transport vehicles should have their registration numbers painted on the left and right sides.
Different Types of Number Plates in India
The RTO (Regional Transport Office) issues vehicle number plates. Below are the 8 types of number plates that the RTO issues.
| Sl. No. | Types of vehicle number plate | Use (New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India) |
| 1. | White | Private vehicles |
| 2. | Yellow | Commercial vehicles (Taxi, Rickshaw, Bus, Truck) |
| 3. | Green | Electric vehicles |
| 4. | Red | Temporary registration number (valid for 30 days) |
| 5. | Blue | Foreign missions and embassy vehicles |
| 6. | Black | Self-owned commercial vehicles (Bike & Car) |
| 7. | Number plate with an upward-pointing arrow | Military vehicles |
| 8. | Red with the emblem of India | Government vehicles |
Different types of number plates with their guidelines
Below you will find the different types of vehicle number plates in India along with the New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India.
White Number Plate
The most popular type of number plate used in India for personal vehicles is the white number plate. The white number plate is a black number plate with white letters and numbers.
Yellow Number Plate
In India, people use this type of number plate called a number plate for transportation purposes. Taxi, rickshaw, bus, and truck number plates have black lettering and numbers on the yellow background.
Black Number Plate
People commonly use black number plates for their self-owned vehicles (bikes & cars) in the country. Authorities register these vehicles as ‘commercial vehicles’. However, the driver does not need a ‘commercial driving licence’ to drive a ‘black number plate vehicle’. These vehicles have ‘yellow’ letters and ‘black’ numbers on a ‘black’ background.
Green Number Plate
Electric vehicle owners in India commonly use green number plates. The green number plates have white lettering and numbers on the green background. There is a difference between commercial and private vehicle green number plates. Commercial vehicles have green number plates with yellow lettering. Whereas private vehicles have green number placements with white lettering.
Red Number Plate
The authorities issue a red number plate to a brand-new vehicle. It is a temporary registration number. A red number plate displays the temporary registration number in white. The temporary registration number is valid for 30 days. Some states may prohibit driving with a red number plate.
Blue Number Plate
Foreign missions and embassy vehicles in India use blue number plates. Blue number plates have white lettering and numbers on a blue background. A blue number plate can be used to identify foreign missions in India. For instance, a CC number plate indicates the Consular Corps in India, a UN number plate indicates the United Nations, a DC number plate indicates the Diplomat Corps, etc.
Number Plate Featuring Upward-Pointing Arrow
Military vehicles in India use upward-pointing arrow number plates. It consists of black letters and numbers written on a yellow background with an upward pointing arrow on the first part.
Red Number Plate With India’s Symbol
Government officials, including the President of India, Vice President of India, Governors of States, Lieutenants of Union Territories, and other high-level government officials, use red number plates for their official vehicles in India. The red number plates have white lettering and numbers on the red background with India’s emblem in the middle.
What is a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP)?
A specially designed and manufactured aluminium vehicle number plate, known as a High-Performance Registered Plate (HSRP), withstands tampering. It has a special laser-printed code under India’s International Code (IND) as well as a hologram of Ashoka chakra.
Fines for Non-compliant Number Plates in India (as of October 2023)
| Offence | Fine (₹) |
| Using a number plate that doesn’t meet the prescribed specifications | 500-1000 |
| Displaying a number plate in a tilted or obscured manner | 100-200 |
| Using a number plate with unauthorized modifications (e.g., fonts, colours) | 500-1000 |
| Failing to display a number plate | 1500 |
Importance of Number Plates According to New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India
Number plates play a crucial role in ensuring road safety, law enforcement, and vehicle identification. Here are some key reasons why number plates are important:
Identification: Number plates provide a unique identification for each vehicle, allowing authorities to track and manage vehicle ownership, registration, and legal compliance.
Law Enforcement: Number plates help law enforcement agencies monitor traffic violations, identify stolen vehicles, and apprehend criminals involved in activities such as hit-and-run accidents.
Road Safety: Clear and visible number plates contribute to road safety by enabling other drivers and pedestrians to identify vehicles accurately, especially in case of emergencies or accidents.
Regulatory Compliance: Number plates indicate that a vehicle is legally registered with the appropriate authorities and complies with regulatory requirements such as taxation, insurance, and emission standards.
Traceability: In the event of accidents or criminal activities, number plates facilitate the tracing of vehicles involved, aiding investigations and legal proceedings.
Public Confidence: Well-maintained and standardized number plates enhance public confidence in transportation systems and regulatory authorities by providing a visible symbol of legal compliance and accountability.
Vehicle Tracking: Number plates are essential for tracking vehicle movements in transportation and logistics operations, ensuring efficient management of fleets and cargo.
International Recognition: Standardized number plate formats and regulations facilitate international recognition and interoperability, especially for vehicles crossing borders or participating in international transportation activities.
In conclusion, number plates are not just alphanumeric identifiers; they are vital components of road safety, law enforcement, and regulatory compliance in India. The New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India, along with the distinct types of number plates, underscore the importance of standardization and adherence to regulations. Whether it’s the colour-coded distinctions for different vehicle categories or the enforcement of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), these measures aim to enhance accountability, traceability, and public trust in the transportation ecosystem. By ensuring compliance with the New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India, individuals and authorities alike contribute to safer roads and more efficient vehicle management nationwide.
FAQs: New Rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India
Q. How do I get a new number plate in India?
Ans. You can get a new number plate in India by registering your vehicle with the RTO in your state. The RTO will issue a number plate that meets the standards.
Q. Can I use a customized number plate in India?
Ans. No, personal number plates are not permitted in India.
Q. What is a temporary number plate in India?
Ans. A temporary vehicle number plate is assigned to a new vehicle until the RTO issues the car’s permanent number plate. It is good for one month and includes color-coded alpha-numerical codes based on vehicle type.
Q. Can I use a number plate with many colours?
Ans. No, only the colours designated for each type of number plate are permitted in India.
Q. Can I use a number plate that does not meet the guidelines?
Ans. No, using a number plate that does not meet the criteria may result in a fine and legal action.
Q. Can I get a green number plate for my petrol or diesel vehicle?
Ans. Green number plates are only granted to electric vehicles in India.
Q. Are high-security number plates required for all automobiles in India?
Ans. Yes, beginning in April 2019, all new automobiles sold in India must have high-security number plates.
Q. How do I apply for a beautiful number plate?
Ans. You can apply for a beautiful number plate from your state’s transportation department. The availability of decorative number plates may vary by state.
Q. Can I put my fancy number plate on a business or government vehicle?
Ans. No, decorative number plates are only available for privately owned automobiles.
Q. What is the greatest vehicle insurance policy?
Ans. Choose a Comprehensive Insurance Policy because it provides a wide range of benefits, including coverage for car damage, theft, and third-party liability.
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