There are different types of number plates; each colour number plate has a unique alphanumeric code that links the vehicle to its state, RTO, and owner, making it easy for authorities to track vehicles, enforce road safety rules, and ensure accountability. Driving without a valid plate is a punishable offence in India.
What is a Number Plate?
A number plate is attached to the front and rear of your vehicle, as per the law (the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988). This plate displays the vehicle's registration number, issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
The registration number is made up of:
- First two letters: Reflect the state where your vehicle is registered. For example, RJ means Rajasthan.
- Next two digits: Shows the RTO from which your vehicle was registered. For example, 01 means Ajmer in Rajasthan.
- Two or three letters: It indicates the series for passing the vehicle. For example, DA is a series name.
- Last four digits: These numbers are unique to your vehicle. The international code IND for India is also shown on the number plate.
Different Types of Number Plates in India
1. White Number Plate: Standard Private Vehicles
- Design: White background with black text.
- Usage: This number plate format is used for private vehicles such as cars and two-wheelers.
- Legal Aspect: Commercial use is strictly not allowed; you cannot use a personal car as a taxi, and violating this rule can lead to penalties up to Rs 10,000 and license suspension.
Also Read: E-Challan Check by Vehicle Number – How to Do It Online?
2. Yellow Number Plate: Commercial Vehicles
- Design: Yellow background with black text.
- Usage: Taxis, Buses, Trucks, and other Commercial Vehicles.
- Compliance: Drivers need commercial licenses, and vehicles must meet fitness and emissions standards.
3. Green Number Plate: Electric Vehicles
- Design: Green background with white text.
- Usage: Applicable only for electric vehicle number plates in India, and strictly reserved for battery-operated vehicles, including e-bikes, e-rickshaws, and e-cars.
Also Read: How to get fancy number plates in India?
4. Black Number Plate: Self-Driven Rentals
- Design: Black background with yellow text.
- Usage: This Indian vehicle registration plate is for rental vehicles only; Zoomcar and Revv are two examples.
- Legal Note: Black plates are specially designed for private use by car rental companies, but are still regulated under commercial laws.
5. Red Number Plate: Temporary Registration
- Design: Red background with white text
- Usage: It's a temporary number plate issued for brand-new vehicles until they get permanent registration.
- Validity: Up to 30 days.
Also Read: Red Number Plates in India
6. Blue Number Plate: Diplomatic Vehicles
- Design: Blue background with white text
- Usage: VIP number plates designed exclusively for foreign diplomats, UN vehicles, and Consulates.
- Special Status: Protected under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
7. BH Series Number Plate: Bharat Series
- Design: Standard white background with black text. The format is YY BH #### XX
- Usage: Allows inter-state travelling, beneficial for transferable jobs, like for defence personnel, government officers, and MNC employees.
- Legal Backing: Issued underthe Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019.
Also Read: BH Series number plate: eligibility and benefits
8. High Security Registration Plates
- Design: Standardised plates with chrome holograms, laser-etched serial numbers, and tamper-proof locks.
- Mandatory: Required for all old and new vehicles since April 2019.
- Benefits: Prevents theft, forgery, and unauthorized transfers.
- Installation: Vehicle owners have to apply via vendors authorised by and linked to RTOs.
Penalties for Violating Number Plate Rules
Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, using non-compliant number plates, such as fancy fonts, incorrect colours, or no registration plates, results in imposing strict penalties in India. The consequences for violating number plate regulations include:
- Failure to display a valid registration number: A fine of up to ₹5,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
- Using an incorrect or altered registration number: A penalty of up to ₹10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
- Using fancy lettering, symbols, or regional language on number plates: Fine up to ₹10,000.
Bottom Line
As India’s mobility landscape continuously evolves, number plate regulations are also advancing through smart plates, digital monitoring, and enhanced security features. As a vehicle owner, staying informed and compliant is essential.
FAQs on types of number plates
How many types of number plates are used in India?
India has 8 types of vehicle number plates, each designed for a specific purpose. These include white, yellow, green, black, blue, red, and red plates with the national emblem, along with the BH (Bharat) Series and High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
3D or 4D number plates - Which is better?
If you’re looking for a refined and stylish finish, 3D number plates with smooth, glossy lettering offer a sophisticated appearance. On the other hand, 4D number plates, featuring sharper and more prominent characters, deliver a bold and contemporary look. While choosing between the two, it’s important to ensure that the number plate design fully complies with government-approved regulations.
Why do some number plates have an upward-pointing arrow?
A number plate with an upward-pointing arrow showcases that it is a vehicle with a temporarily registered number plate.
Is it illegal to use the wrong type of number plate?
Using an incorrect or unauthorised number plate results in paying hefty fines, penalties, and legal action under Indian motor vehicle laws.
Is a black number plate legal in India?
Black number plates are fully legal for self-drive rental vehicles operating without a commercial permit.
