A Comprehensive Guide On Different Types of Number Plates in India

Did you know that the first vehicle registration plates in India date back to 1903? Since then, number plates have evolved significantly, with various types catering to different vehicle categories and purposes. Understanding these license plates is essential for every vehicle owner and enthusiast.

Vehicle registration plates play a crucial role in identifying vehicles on the roads. In India, these vehicle numbers or license plates come in various types, each with its unique purpose and legal significance. 

This article aims to provide detailed information about the different types of number or license plates in India, their components, associated laws, and how they affect various aspects of vehicle ownership.

What is a Vehicle Number Plate?

A vehicle number plate, or registration plate, is a metal or plastic plate affixed to a vehicle for official identification purposes. Issued by the Regional Transport Office of each state, these plates must be affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle to ensure clear visibility.

What Are The Different Types of Vehicle Number Plates in India?

India has a variety of vehicle licensing plates, each serving different functions and adhering to specific regulations. Below are the primary types:

White Number Plate

Private vehicle registration plates in India have a white background with black lettering. These plates are used on personal vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, owned by individuals or private entities. The format of these plates typically includes a two-letter state code, followed by a two-digit district code, a unique four-digit number, and sometimes a series letter if the number series is exhausted.

• Application: Used for private, non-commercial vehicles.
• Appearance: Black letters and numbers on a white background.
• Usage: These vehicles cannot be used for commercial purposes like transporting goods or passengers.
• Cost: Generally included in the price of vehicle registration.

Yellow Number Plate

Commercial vehicle numbers or licence plates feature a yellow background with black lettering. These plates are used on vehicles employed for commercial purposes, such as taxis, buses, trucks, and delivery vans. The yellow plates signify that the vehicle is used for transportation of goods or passengers for hire. These vehicles are subject to different regulations and tax structures compared to private cars.

• Application: Designated for commercial vehicles.
• Appearance: Black letters and numbers on a yellow background.
• Usage: Used for taxis, buses, trucks, and other commercial transport. Drivers must have a commercial driving permit.
• Cost: Slightly higher due to commercial registration.

Green Number Plate

Electric vehicles (EVs) in India have a green background with white lettering. This new category of vehicle registration plates was introduced recently to promote the use of electric vehicles. The green plates help identify EVs that may be eligible for specific benefits, such as reduced tolls, parking incentives, and exemptions from certain road taxes.

• Application: For electric vehicles (EVs).
• Appearance: White letters and numbers on a green background for private EVs; yellow letters on green for commercial EVs.
• Usage: Differentiates electric vehicles from conventional fuel vehicles.
• Cost: Included in the registration fee for EVs.

Black Number Plate

Rental vehicles, including self-drive rentals, display number plates with a black background and yellow lettering. These plates are designated for vehicles rented out to individuals for self-driving purposes. The unique color scheme helps identify rental vehicles on the road. This category includes cars, bikes, and scooters available for short-term rentals.

• Application: For rental and self-drive vehicles.
• Appearance: Yellow letters and numbers on a black background.
• Usage: These vehicles can be rented without the need for a commercial driving license.
• Cost: Similar to commercial vehicles.

Red Number Plate

Temporary number plates have a red background with white lettering. These plates are issued for new vehicles awaiting permanent registration. The temporary registration number is valid for a short period, during which the vehicle owner must complete the registration process to obtain a permanent license plate.

• Application: Temporary registration for new vehicles.
• Appearance: White letters and numbers on a red background.
• Usage: Valid for 30 days, allowing the owner time to get a permanent registration.
• Cost: Included in the vehicle purchase cost, typically at no extra charge.

Blue Number Plate

Diplomatic vehicles have blue license plates with white lettering. These plates are assigned to vehicles owned by foreign embassies, consulates, and international organizations. The car registration plates include specific codes that denote the diplomatic status and the country of the diplomat. These vehicles enjoy certain privileges and immunities under international conventions.

• Application: For vehicles of foreign diplomats.
• Appearance: White letters and numbers on a blue background.
• Usage: Reserved for embassies, consulates, and international organizations like the UN.
• Cost: Managed by the Ministry of External Affairs, usually covered by diplomatic budgets.

Number Plate with an Upward-Pointing Arrow

A number plate with an upward-pointing arrow typically indicates that the vehicle belongs to the armed forces. This type of license plate is reserved exclusively for the Indian armed forces. These include the army, navy, air force, and other branches. 

Issued by the Ministry of Defense, these plates are distinct from regular Indian licence plates and follow a different set of rules and regulations. Vehicles with these plates often have privileges such as exemptions from certain traffic rules, including speed limits and parking regulations. Additionally, they may use special lanes or routes designated for emergency vehicles, ensuring swift and unobstructed movement during critical operations.

• Application: For military vehicles.
• Appearance: Black letters and numbers on a yellow background with an upward-pointing arrow.
• Usage: Indicates the year of procurement and class of the vehicle.
• Cost: Governed by the Ministry of Defence.

Red Vehicle Registration Plate with the Emblem of India

Government vehicles have a red background with white lettering. These plates are used on vehicles owned by various government departments and agencies. The distinctive color scheme indicates that the vehicle is government property and often includes specific codes to identify the department or ministry to which the vehicle belongs.

• Application: For official vehicles of high-ranking government officials.
• Appearance: White letters and numbers on a red background with the emblem of India.
• Usage: Used by the President, Vice President, Governors, and Lieutenant Governors.
• Cost: Covered by government allocations.

Type	Application	Appearance	Usage
White	Private vehicles	Black on white	Non-commercial use
Yellow	Commercial vehicles	Black on yellow	Transport goods/passengers
Green	Electric vehicles	White on green (private), Yellow on green (commercial)	Differentiates EVs
Black	Rental/self-drive vehicles	Yellow on black	Can be rented without a commercial license
Red	Temporary Registration	White on red	Valid for 30 days
Blue	Diplomatic vehicles	White on blue	Used by foreign diplomats
Upward-pointing Arrow	Military vehicles	Black on yellow	Indicates year/class of vehicle
Red with the Emblem of India	High-ranking government officials	White on red with emblem	Used by the President, Vice President, Governors, etc.

What Are The Components of a Vehicle Number Plate?

A vehicle number or license plate in India consists of several components, each providing specific information:

• State Code: The first two letters denote the state where the vehicle is registered (e.g., KA for Karnataka).
• RTO Code: The next two digits represent the Regional Transport Office.
• Unique Identification Number: The alphanumeric code unique to each vehicle.
• International Registration Code: The last component is the international registration code “IND.”

What Is A High-Security Number Plates (HSRP), and How Are They Different From Others?

High Security Number Plates are tamper-proof plates made of aluminium, featuring a unique laser-etched code below India’s international code (IND) and an Ashoka Chakra hologram. These plates ensure a digitized record of all registered vehicles, enhancing security and reducing fraud.

Features of High Security Number Plates

• Reflective Sheet: They have a reflective sheet that improves visibility during nighttime and low-light conditions, enhancing road safety.
• Chromium-based Hologram: Each High security number plate includes a chromium-based hologram hot-stamped on the top left corner, featuring the Ashoka Chakra. This hologram is difficult to duplicate, providing an additional layer of security.
• Laser-etched Permanent Identification Number (PIN): A unique 10-digit PIN is laser-etched on the bottom left corner of the plate. This number is unique to each plate and is recorded in the central database of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Snap Lock: HSRP are affixed to vehicles using non-reusable snap locks, making it difficult to remove the plate without damaging it. This feature prevents tampering and unauthorized removal.
• Hot-stamped Letters: The registration number is hot-stamped on the reflective sheet, making it resistant to wear and tampering.

How Are They Different from Regular License Plates?

• Security: Regular license plates lack advanced security features such as holograms, laser-etched PINs, and snap locks found in High security number plates. This makes them more vulnerable to tampering and cloning.
• Standardization: High security number plates provide a standardized format and design across the country, unlike regular plates, which may vary in font, size, and style depending on the issuing authority.
• Traceability: The unique PIN on High security vehicle registration plates ensures traceability, allowing law enforcement agencies to track vehicles more efficiently and verify their authenticity.
• Mandatory Use: High security vehicle registration plates are compulsory for all new vehicles and are being phased in for existing vehicles, while regular car registration plates do not have such a mandate.

Do Diplomats Have Different Vehicle Registration Plates in India?

Yes, diplomats in India have special number plates compared to regular vehicles. These car registration plates are specially designed to signify the diplomatic status of the vehicle and its exemption from local jurisdiction. 

Here’s a comprehensive overview of diplomatic license plates in India:

Design and Features

Diplomatic number plates in India are distinctively blue with white lettering. This unique design differentiates them from regular white or yellow car registration plates used for private and commercial vehicles, respectively. These plates also do not carry the typical state code that is present on regular license plates.

Format and Codes

The diplomatic number plates carry specific codes to indicate the country and status of the diplomat. The format generally includes a combination of letters and numbers:

• DC: Diplomatic Corps
• CC: Consular Corps
• UN: United Nations

Issuance and Regulations

These vehicle plates are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India and adhere to international conventions regarding diplomatic privileges and immunities. Vehicles bearing these plates are typically exempt from a range of local laws and regulations, providing diplomats with the necessary mobility and security for their official duties.

Differentiation Among Countries

The differentiation of diplomatic number plates among countries is achieved through a numerical code prefixed by the country code. Here is a detailed look at how different countries are represented:

Country Name	Country Code
Afghanistan	1
Algeria	2
Australia	5
Bangladesh	7
Great Britain	11
China	17
Netherlands	52
Pakistan	68
Turkey	73
Russia	75
United States	77
Iceland	102
Israel	109
Botswana	134

For example, a vehicle belonging to the Australian embassy would have a plate starting with “DC 5,” indicating Diplomatic Corps and the numerical code for Australia.

Feature	Details
Plate Color	Blue
Lettering Color	White
Format	DC/CC/UN + Country Code
Issuing Authority	Ministry of External Affairs
Special Features	Exemption from local jurisdiction; diplomatic privileges

Are There Any Laws Related to Vehicle Registration Plates in India?

Various laws govern the issuance and display of vehicle registration plates:

1. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Mandates that all vehicles must have a valid registration number.
2. Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989: Specifies the size, thickness, and spacing of characters on vehicle registration plates.
3. MoRTH Guidelines: Recent updates include:
   • Ban on temporary paper registration plates.
   • Uniform design for High-Security Registration Plates.
   • Specific color-coding for BS-VI-compliant vehicles.

Does Your Vehicle Number Plate Impact Insurance?

Yes, your vehicle registration plates can impact your vehicle insurance in various ways. The type and nature of the license plate can provide insurers with critical information about the vehicle, which can influence the insurance premium and coverage terms.

Factors Considered by Insurance Companies

1) Type of Vehicle Registration:

• Private vs. Commercial: Private vehicles with white plates typically have lower premiums compared to commercial vehicles with yellow plates due to the latter’s higher usage and associated risks.
• Rental Vehicles: Vehicles with black number plates used for self-drive rentals may attract higher premiums due to higher exposure to risk.

2) Temporary vs. Permanent Registration:

• Temporary Plates: Vehicles with temporary registration may have different insurance considerations compared to those with permanent plates. Insurers may require confirmation of permanent registration before finalizing comprehensive coverage.

3) High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP):

• Vehicles with high-security registration plates, which are tamper-proof and include a unique laser-etched code, may be considered less risky, potentially leading to lower premiums.

4) Electric Vehicles (Green Plates):

• Vehicles with green license plates indicating electric power can influence insurance premiums. These vehicles might receive discounts due to environmental incentives or higher premiums due to the cost of battery replacements.

5) Luxury and Fancy Plates:

• Premium and fancy vehicle registration plates can signify high-value vehicles, leading to higher insurance premiums in India due to the increased cost of repairs or replacements.

6) Diplomatic Vehicles:

• Diplomatic vehicles with blue plates have special considerations and may be insured under different terms due to diplomatic immunity and unique usage patterns.

7) Premium Considerations

• Risk Assessment: Insurance companies in India assess the risk based on the vehicle type, usage, and historical data associated with specific number plate types.
• Cost of Repairs: Vehicles with high-end or custom number license plates may incur higher repair costs, which can influence premium rates.
• Usage Patterns: Commercial vehicles are more frequently on the road and thus more prone to accidents, which impacts their insurance rates.
• Security Features: High-security vehicle identification plates with advanced anti-theft features can reduce theft risk, potentially lowering premiums.

Table: Impact of Vehicle Registration Plates on Insurance

Number Plate Type	Impact on Insurance
Private (White Plate)	Generally lower premiums due to private use.
Commercial (Yellow Plate)	Higher premiums due to increased usage and risk.
Rental (Black Plate)	Higher premiums due to varied driver profiles and higher risk exposure.
Electric (Green Plate)	May receive discounts or have different premium structures.
High-Security (HSRP)	Potentially lower premiums due to enhanced security features.
Diplomatic (Blue Plate)	Special insurance terms due to diplomatic status.
Temporary (Red Plate)	Specific conditions until permanent registration is confirmed.
Fancy/Premium Plates	Higher premiums due to vehicle value and repair costs.

Understanding the small details of how your vehicle registration plates can impact your vehicle insurance is crucial. It allows you to make informed decisions and potentially optimize insurance costs by aligning with vehicles with more favorable insurance profiles.

Conclusion

Understanding the various types of vehicle registration plates in India is essential for vehicle owners and drivers. Each type serves a specific purpose and adheres to strict regulations to ensure legal compliance and safety on the roads. 

By following the guidelines and laws, you can be sure that your vehicle is registered as required and identifiable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a black number plate in India?
Ans: In India, a black number plate is used for rental and self-drive vehicles. These plates have yellow lettering and indicate that the vehicle can be rented out for self-driving purposes. Unlike commercial vehicles, these do not require the driver to have a commercial driving permit.

Q2. What is a BH number plate?
Ans: The BH (Bharat) number plate is a new series that was introduced to facilitate seamless interstate vehicle movement across India. Vehicles with BH series plates can be used in any state without re-registering. This initiative aims to ease the process for people who frequently relocate, such as government employees and private sector professionals.

Q3. Can we have number plates with names in India?
No, in India, number plates with names are not permitted. Vehicle registration plates must adhere to a standard format that includes a state code, an RTO code, and a unique identification number. Customizations such as names or non-standard fonts are prohibited to ensure uniformity and legality.

Q4. How many types of vehicle number plates are there in India?
Ans: India has several types of vehicle number plates, including:

• White plates with black lettering for private vehicles.
• Yellow plates with black lettering for commercial vehicles.
• Green plates with white or yellow lettering for electric vehicles.
• Black plates with yellow lettering for rental/self-drive vehicles.
• Red plates with white lettering for temporary registration.
• Blue plates with white lettering for diplomatic vehicles.
• Plates with an upward-pointing arrow for military vehicles.

Q5. What is the format of vehicle number plates in India?
Ans: The format of vehicle number plates in India typically includes:

• The state code (e.g., KA for Karnataka).
• The RTO code (a two-digit number indicating the Regional Transport Office).
• A unique alphanumeric identification number.
• The international registration code is “IND.”

Q6. What is the difference between IND number plate?
Ans: An IND number plate refers to the standardized High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) that include “IND” embossed on them. These plates have enhanced security features, such as a unique laser-etched code and a chromium-based hologram, which are absent in older plates. The “IND” signifies compliance with the international standards set for Indian vehicles.

Q7. What is the difference between HSRP and old plate?
Ans: High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) are tamper-proof and come with several advanced security features:

• A reflective sheet for better visibility.
• A chromium-based hologram featuring the Ashoka Chakra.
• A unique 10-digit laser-etched Permanent Identification Number (PIN).
• Non-reusable snap locks for secure attachment.

In contrast, old plates lack these security features, making them more susceptible to tampering and cloning. HSRPs provide standardized design and improved traceability, enhancing vehicle security and law enforcement efficiency.

Q8. What are Temporary Number Plates?
Ans: Temporary license plates are issued for new vehicles and are valid for 30 days, allowing time for permanent registration. These plates have a distinct colour and design to differentiate them from permanent plates.