A temporary vehicle number plate is assigned to a brand-new vehicle until the respective RTO issues the permanent number plate to the vehicle. It is valid for a month and comes with color-coded alpha-numerical based on the type of vehicle.
To get a temporary number plate, you need to fill up Form 20 and submit it to the authority under whose jurisdiction the vehicle falls. You can also submit the form to the dealer registered by the Transport of Commissioner.
However, driving a new vehicle with a temporary registration number printed on a piece of paper and pasted on the vehicle is now illegal and will be considered an offense.
What is Temporary Number Plate in India?
A temporary registration number is assigned by the dealership from which the vehicle is purchased which serves the purpose when the vehicle is brand new and is yet to be permanently registered.
This unique number is normally valid for a period of maximum one month, in which the vehicle should be registered by the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO) authority. The temporary registration number for a car comes with a validity of one month.
The red license plate displays the temporary registration number in white lettering. You can use the red number plate in India till you get the permanent registration number from the RTO post vehicle’s registration. Once you get the permanent number, you can replace the red plate with a white/yellow/green number plate, depending on your vehicle.
What does A/F mean on a vehicle’s number plate?
The temporary registration number for a car comes with a validity of one month. A/F means ‘Applied For’ for the registration of the number. There is a need for the A/F status because during that time the dealer delivers the vehicle to the customer while they have applied for a permanent registration number.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Temporary Number Plates
Here is a table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of temporary number plates in India:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Allows you to drive your vehicle legally on the road while you wait for your permanent registration number. | According to the new rules issued by the Government of India, driving a new vehicle with a temporary registration number printed on a piece of paper and pasted on the vehicle is now illegal. It will be considered an offence. |
| The temporary registration number for a car comes with a validity of one month . | The identification of numbers on the temporary number plate is difficult and being a piece of paper it can be easily removed. |
Fine on Temporary Number Plate India
Driving without a registration plate is illegal and can attract a fine of up to Rs. 5,000. However, according to the new rules issued by the Government of India, driving a new vehicle with a temporary registration number printed on a piece of paper and pasted on the vehicle is now illegal. It will be considered an offence.
Validity of Temporary Number Plate in India
The temporary registration validity is one month. However, the rules regarding temporary vehicle registration plates differ from one state to another. In fact, some of the Indian states do not allow vehicles with temporary number plates to drive on roads.
Format of Temporary Number Plate in India
The format of temporary registration plates in India is as follows:
- Unsold vehicles belonging to a vehicle manufacturer or a dealer have white lettering on a red background (e.g. HR 26 TC 2020).
- Sold vehicles awaiting a permanent registration have red lettering on a yellow background (e.g. TS 07 D TR 7174).
What does TC mean in the Temporary Number Plates?
The term TC means ‘Temporary Registration‘ in the Temporary Number Plates.
What does TR mean in the Temporary Number Plates?
The term TR refers to ‘To Register’ in the Temporary Number Plates.
What is the process of getting a Permanent Registration Number?
To get a permanent registration number for your vehicle in India, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Firstly, the vehicle owner needs to fill and submit the application form, i.e. the Form 20 to make an application for the permanent registration of their vehicle to the RTO located in their residence or business.
- After that, the vehicle owner is required to choose whether they want to apply for a general registration number or a fancy/VIP/choice registration number.
- The vehicle owner needs to pay appropriate fee as specified in Rule 81 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 depending on the choice of registration number and use of HSRP/smart card.
- The vehicle owner needs to pay tax as per Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 depending on the choice of registration number and use of HSRP/smart card.
- The vehicle owner needs to provide documents such as application in Form 20, sales certificate in Form 21, road worthiness certificate in Form 22 from the manufacturers (Form 22A from the Body builder), pollution under control certificate, valid insurance certificate, proof of address (Ration card, Electricity bill etc.), design approval copy of STA in case Trailer or Semi-Trailer, original sales certificate from the concerned authorities in Form 21 in case of ex-army vehicle.
What is the validity of a Permanent Registration Number?
The permanent registration number is valid for the entire lifetime of the vehicle. The temporary registration number for a car comes with a validity of one month. You must apply for the permanent registration number of your car before it expires.
How to check vehicle’s challan status online?
You can check your vehicle’s challan status online by visiting the website of the respective state’s traffic police department. For example, you can visit the Delhi Traffic Police website to know your pending challan status and pay your fine.
- You can also check the traffic fine and e-challan status online by visiting https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
- Clicking on the ‘Check Challan Status’ tab on the homepage.
- A new page will open where you need to enter either your DL number or vehicle number.
- Now you can check all your pending challans and pay the fine.
FAQs About Temporary Number Plate
What does Yellow Temporary Number Plate mean in India?
The yellow number plate is used for commercial vehicles and vehicles that are used for commercial purposes.
How long does it take to get a permanent registration number in India?
The time taken to get a permanent registration number in India varies from state to state. However, it usually takes around 7-14 working days.
What is the cost of getting a permanent registration number?
The cost of getting a permanent registration number in India varies from state to state. However, it usually ranges from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000. The fee for applying for a PAN card is Rs. 93 (excluding Goods and Services tax) for Indian communication address.
Can I drive my car without a temporary or permanent registration plate?
No, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a temporary or permanent registration plate .
What is the penalty for driving without a registration plate in India?
Driving without a registration plate is illegal and can attract a fine of up to Rs. 5,000. The penalty for driving despite disqualification has been increased to Rs. 10,000.
