In India, the style and color of a vehicle’s number plate are more than just aesthetic—the colour of the number plates in India conveys essential information about the vehicle’s usage, type, and registration status.  In this blog today, we will discuss red number plates in India and where they are applicable.

What is a Number Plate?

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all vehicles are required to be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Driving without proper registration or a number plate can attract hefty fines.

Types of Number Plates in India

White number plate

For Personal Use

Yellow number plate

For Commercial Use

Blue number plate

Embassies Vehicles

Green number plate

Electric Vehicles

Red number plate

Brand new vehicles (waiting for registration number)

Red number plate with India’s emblem

Vehicle used for the President of India or the Governor of a State

What is a Red Number Plate?

A red number plate in India is given to vehicles that are registered either on lease or commercially owned but not privately owned. Unlike yellow or white plates, a red plate usually has white lettering on a red background. Red Number Plates are usually temporary, valid for 30 days.
However, the red number plate rule and its validity vary from state to state. Usually, the first two letters of a number plate indicate the state where the vehicle is registered or permitted to be driven. For example, if the vehicle is registered in Tamil Nadu, it will have TN, and if it is in Karnataka, it will have KA.

Key Features

Color: Red background with white letters.

Use Case: Vehicles which are not privately owned like company cars, dealer vehicles, or vehicles running on a lease.

Registration: Issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) with specific permissions.

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Eligibility Criteria to get a Red Number Plate in India

Applicable for Dealership or Manufacturer Vehicles:

  • Vehicles used by dealerships for test drives or delivery purposes.
  • Manufacturers' vehicles used for promotional events or demonstrations.

Leased Company  Vehicles: 

Companies leasing vehicles to employees or clients often use red plates to reflect non-private ownership.

Commercial Vehicles in Some Cases:

Certain commercial vehicles, especially those used temporarily or under corporate ownership, may also carry red plates.

Types of Red Number Plates in India

1. Red Number Plate with India’s Emblem

This number plate is mostly seen on the cars of high-ranking constitutional authorities, with the national emblem of India (Ashoka Lion Capital) instead of a registration number.

Who uses it?

  • President of India
  • State Governors
  • Lieutenant Governors

2. Red Number Plate with White Letters (Temporary Registration)

The most commonly seen red number plate on Indian roads.

Who uses it?

Newly purchased vehicles awaiting permanent registration

Who issues it

  • Issued by the vehicle dealer.
  • Valid for a limited period (usually up to 30 days)
  • Usually replaced with a permanent number plate after registration

3. Red Number Plates for Dealer or Test Vehicles

These plates are issued to vehicle dealers and manufacturers.

Who uses it?

  • Car dealerships
  • Vehicle manufacturers

Purpose:

  • Test  Driving
  • Vehicle demonstrations
  • Delivery of new vehicles
  • These vehicles cannot be used for personal or commercial travel.

Documents Required for Cars With Red Registration Plates

  • Temporary Registration Certificate of Dealer (TR).
  • Original invoice including all the vehicle's information.
  • Latest insurance certificate.
  • Identity verification documents such as a driver's license, PAN, or Aadhaar.

Key Role of Car Insurance in Red Number Plates in India

Even when the vehicle comes with a temporary red number plate, it is mandatory to have valid vehicle insurance. The insurance policy provides financial protection against unforeseen costs in the event of damage, theft, or a car accident.​

Furthermore, buying third-party insurance is mandatory under Indian law. On the other hand, comprehensive insurance is optional but recommended. When you apply for permanent number plate registration, you usually need insurance proof.

Difference between BH Series Number Plate & Red Number Plate

Features

BH Series Number Plate

Red Number Plate

Purpose

Easy movement from one state to another.

Temporary or special-use vehicles

Validity

Long-Term

Short-Term

Ownership

Private individuals (eligible category)

Government, dealers, or temporary

Personal Use

Allowed

Restricted

Plate Color

White Background or Black Text

Red Background

Re-Registration Needed

No

Yes ( Temporary Plates)

FAQs on Red Number Plate

What is the validity of red number plates?

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The red number plates remain valid for a maximum of one month from the date of issuance.

​Is it possible to travel to another state with the red number plate?

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Red number plates are valid only within the state where they are registered.

​Can we buy insurance for their red-number-plate vehicle?

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Insurance is compulsory by law even for temporary registration.

What happens when vehicle owners use the red number plate after expiry?

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Using a red number plate after its expiry can result in penalties and fines.