NUMBER PLATES IN INDIA TYPES AND USAGES

In India, so many vehicles run on the roads with different engine types, fuel types and even different number plates. Did you know, the different types of number plates carry distinctive meanings depending on the type of vehicle. In India, a number plate or vehicle registration plate is issued by the Regional Transport Office or the RTO of the respective state. 

Every vehicle needs to attach it to the front and rear portion of the vehicle with clear visibility. The international code for Indian number plates is IND. Let’s take a deeper look at what the different number plates in India mean and how their usage affects them.

Types of Vehicle Number Plates in India

The Different types of number plates for Indian vehicles include;

Private Vehicle Number Plate

White number plates come with black lettering and are the most common type of vehicle registration plate for vehicles in India. Vehicles with white number plates signifies that it is used for private purposes rather than commercial or official use. Number plates with black text on white background are commonly used for a range of vehicles like private cars, motorcycles, and three wheelers used for personal transport.

Commercial Vehicle Yellow Number Plates

The yellow vehicle number plates with black text are used exclusively for commercial vehicles. This type of plate, featuring black text on a yellow background, is typically found on commercial trucks, buses, taxis, goods carriers, and, in some regions, rental vehicles.

The yellow number plate helps distinguish commercial vehicles from private ones. Vehicles with yellow number plates have permits to transport goods across the country. These plates are used on vehicles driven by commercial drivers. Commercial vehicles are subject to specific regulations and permits issued by the local RTO.

Government Vehicle Red Number Plates

In India, red number plates with white text are used for government vehicles belonging to ministries, public sector undertakings, and high-ranking officials. Red number plates indicate that the vehicle is for official use only and cannot be used for personal purposes. The registration includes state codes and specific government identifiers.

Government vehicles with red number plates enjoy certain privileges, such as exemptions from parking restrictions and tolls when on official duty. They require regular maintenance and must have proper permits and documentation. Strict regulations prevent misuse, and unauthorized use can lead to penalties. 

Diplomatic Vehicle Red Text Number Plates

Diplomatic vehicle number plates with red text and white background are specifically designated for vehicles used by foreign diplomats, consular staff, and international organizations. These plates feature a white background with red text, often starting with prefixes like 'CC' (Consular Corps), 'CD' (Diplomatic Corps), or 'UN' (United Nations). Upon the diplomat’s service conclusion, the plates must be surrendered, and the vehicle re-registered or re-exported.

Electric Vehicle Green Number Plates

Green number plates with white text are part of an initiative by the Indian Government to promote eco-friendly transportation that promises to change the future of personal transport. These number plates signify that the vehicle is eco-friendly and operates on either fully electric or plug in hybrid. Green number plates can be used on private as well as commercial vehicles. 

Defence Vehicle Green Number Plates

White number plates with green text are used for vehicles belonging to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air forces. These plates have white backgrounds with green text, and they follow a unique numbering system that differentiates them from civilian and other government vehicles. 

The number plates typically start with an upward-pointing arrow (↑),which is a symbol of the military, followed by a unique alphanumeric identification number.

Temporary Registration Number Plates

White plates with black text are typically issued to the vehicles that are in the process of getting permanent registration. Temporary registration plates are normally used for brand new vehicles that are yet to be permanently registered. Temporary number plates are also used for the vehicles being transported from one state to other. 

Rental Vehicle Yelloe Text Number Plates

Rental vehicle number plates are distinctive white plates with yellow text. These plates are specifically assigned to vehicles that are available for hire, such as cars, taxis, and two-wheelers used for rental purposes. Vehicles with white number plates with yellow text are required to obtain a rental transport permit. Vehicles with these yellow text number plates must have commercial vehicle insurance.

Vintage Vehicle Black Number Plates

Vintage vehicle number plate usually has a black background with white text, and is a special license plate used for vehicles that are classified as "vintage" in India. There are certain criteria to meet to call a vehicle a vintage like, it must be 50 years old, should have original design and components. 

Blue Number Plates

Blue number plates with white text are used for vehicles registered with government departments or agencies. They are not exclusively diplomatic but are meant for official use by various state or central government officials and departments. They often feature an emblem or designation indicating the specific government department or authority.

 

Components of Vehicle Number Plate

You may have noticed; every vehicle has a number plate consisting of a combination of alphanumeric characters. However, it is not easy to decipher it unless you know the components and their meaning. Let’s take an example to understand better.

Say the vehicle registration number is DL01AB4567. So, the first part of a number plate is the first two letters, which here is 'DL'. It denotes the state or union territory in which the vehicle is registered like DL means Delhi. The next part of a licence plate denotes the state or union territory code which here is 01. It is the RTO code of the place where the vehicle is registered. 

To know the RTO codes of different states you can visit the RTO website and verify. The third part of the number plate is a unique code, an alphanumeric code which every vehicle has. The combination can vary. It typically comprises four digits and two alphabets. Like here it is AB4567. A number plate also reflects an IND logo which denotes the international registration code for India. Such a logo is usually found on all High-Security Registration Plates.

The Bharat Series number plates (BH-series) streamline vehicle registration across states with a specific format. The plate features the prefix BH, followed by XX for the state or union territory code (though BH is uniform nationwide). It includes a unique alphanumeric code YYYY and a numerical code XXXX. This format simplifies inter-state registrations and ensures consistency across India.

Rules and Laws for Vehicle Number Plates

To understand what a vehicle number plate is, its meaning and its classification, let’s take a brief look at the main RTO rules and regulations that need to be followed relating to number plates on vehicles in India.

• The registration number lettering has to be in black on white background for two-wheelers or light motor vehicles.


• Commercial vehicles need to have a number plate in black on yellow background.


• The number plate lettering size needs to be as per the given rules for each vehicle category as per the RTO.


• All motor vehicles should have their number plate displayed at the front as well as the rear and should be clearly visible.


• The registration mark needs to be displayed in parallel to the handlebar on any vehicle part like for example, the mudguard; especially for two-wheeler vehicles.


• All transport vehicles need to display the rear number plate on the right side at one meter from ground level.


• All transport vehicles must paint the registration mark on the left and right sides of the vehicle.


• In the case of stage and contract carriage vehicles,the paint of the registration number needs to be on the dashboard,especially for a taxi or motor cab.


• All alphabets on the number plate need to be in English and numbers need to be in Arabic numerals only.


• In case of less space, the number can be displayed on the plate in a single line at the front of all motor vehicles and two-wheelers else they generally come in two lines.


• Any vehicle number plate must not display fancy lettering, pictures or names.


• It is not allowed and considered an offence to drive a brand-new motor vehicle with a paper-printed temporary registration number plate.


• All temporary number plates need to have red lettering with a yellow background.


• The characters on any vehicle number plate cannot be in regional languages.


• As per the rules, the size, thickness and spacing between the characters on the number plate need to be 65 mm, 10 mm and 10 mm, respectively for all motor vehicles except two-wheelers and three-wheelers.


• The Four-wheeler number plates need to have one cm green colour layer and stickers as per the fuel type. Like diesel vehicles need to have orange colour stickers while petrol and CNG vehicles must have a blue colour sticker.

Process for Procurement of Vehicle Number Plate

The process of procuring a number plate for a vehicle involves certain steps which need to be followed. When a new vehicle is purchased, the dealer generally takes care of the vehicle registration and number plate procurement process. However, there is an option to register a new vehicle yourself as well. Let’s look at the steps in the process for procurement of vehicle number plate;

Step 1: Visit the RTO with your newly purchased vehicle

Step 2: Make sure to submit all the forms and documents duly filed

Step 3: The RTO official shall then verify all the forms and documents submitted

Step 4: Next make payment of the road tax and the registration fee

Step 5: The vehicle and documents shall be verified by an inspecting officer

Step 6: After successful completion of the inspection, the RTO will issue the registration number as well as give the receipt

Now, we all know that all motorized vehicles running on Indian roads need to have a valid RTO registration and license number plate. We are also clear on the different types of number plates as per the color. 

So, now make sure you apply for your vehicle registration number plate with all the knowledge and can also make out any vehicle number plate with ease. Remember, any vehicle running on Indian roads without a number plate shall incur a penalty in terms of a hefty fine.

FAQs on Vehicle Number Plate

What is the Significance of Color Codes in Vehicle Number Plates?

Color codes on vehicle number plates indicate the type of vehicle and its purpose, such as private vehicles, commercial vehicles, and government vehicles.

Which Alphabets Cannot be used in the RTO Registration Series?

Alphabets O and I are excluded from the RTO series to avoid confusion as they may look similar to numbers like 0 and 1.

Are Custom Number Plates for Vehicles Allowed in India?

As per rules and regulations of number plates for vehicles, the usage of fancy fonts, stickers, regional language, stickers or art is not allowed. Hence, it is not allowed to customize number plates for any vehicles.

What Should I Do if My Vehicle Number Plate Gets Damaged or Stolen?

Report the incident to the local police and RTO, and apply for a replacement number plate following the procedures set by your RTO.

Are There Any Penalties if a Vehicle Does Not Have a Valid Number Plate?

Yes, driving a vehicle without a valid number plate or with an incorrect number plate can result in fines and legal consequences as per traffic regulations for drivers.