Different types of number plates in India are issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of different states for vehicles registered in their states. As per the RTO rule, the number plates are to be fixed in the rear and front of a vehicle to offer clarity and visibility.
The color of a vehicle’s number plate can provide important information about the owner and the intended use of the vehicle.
What are the types of Vehicle Number Plates in India?
- White Number Plate: This is the most common type of number plate in India. It is used for personal vehicles and features black numbers and letters on a white background.
- Yellow Number Plate: This type of number plate is used for commercial vehicles like taxis, cabs, and trucks. It features black numbers and letters on a yellow background.
- Green Number Plate: This type of number plate is used for electric vehicles in India. It features white numbers and letters on a green background.
- Red Number Plate: This type of number plate is used for vehicles that are registered for temporary use. It features red numbers and letters on a white background.
- Blue Number Plate: This type of number plate is used for vehicles that belong to foreign consulates or embassies in India. It features white numbers and letters on a blue background.
- Black Number Plate: This type of number plate is used for commercial vehicles that are rented out to customers. It features yellow numbers and letters on a black background.
- Number Plate with an Upward-Pointing Arrow: This type of number plate is used for vehicles that are registered as commercial passenger vehicles. It features black numbers and letters on a white background with an upward-pointing arrow at the bottom.
- Red Number Plate with the Emblem of India: This type of number plate is used for vehicles that belong to foreign consulates or embassies in India. It features red numbers and letters on a white background with the emblem of India at the left side.
How to get White Number Plate in India?
You can obtain a new number plate in India by registering your vehicle with the RTO in your state. The RTO will issue a number plate that complies with the guidelines. You can also apply for a high-security registration plate (HSRP) online.
- To apply for an HSRP, visit https://www.bookmyhsrp.com on your computer’s browser.
- Click on “HIGH-SECURITY REGISTRATION PLATE WITH COLOUR STICKER”.
- Select your Vehicle from the list or search if you don’t see yours in it.
- After that select the Vehicle Make.
- Select State in which your vehicle is registered.
- And Submit the details to apply for the plate.
How to get Yellow Number Plate in India?
You can obtain a new number plate in India by registering your vehicle with the RTO in your state. The RTO will issue a number plate that complies with the guidelines. Commercial vehicles such as taxis and trucks have black text on yellow background.
How to get Green Number Plate in India?
To obtain a green number plate in India, you must submit an application to any registered number plate supplier in the same way that you would for any other number plate. You must provide accurate information and identification for verification purposes in order to receive a legitimate registration mark.
How to get Red Number Plate in India?
A red number plate with white lettering is issued as a temporary registration for a brand new vehicle until permanent registration is issued by the RTO.
How to get Blue Number Plate in India?
A blue coloured number plate with white lettering is issued to a vehicle belonging to a foreign diplomat United Nations (UN), Diplomatic Corps (CD) or Consular Corps (CC).
How to get Black Number Plate with Yellow Lettering in India?
A black number plate with yellow lettering in India is authorized to be used for conveyance purposes by luxurious hotels. Additionally, vehicles with black number plates are used for business purposes. Furthermore, drivers without a commercial driver’s number are not permitted to operate these vehicles.
How to get Black Number Plate with White Lettering in India?
A white number plate with black letters is the most common type of number plate in India. This type of number plate is used for private vehicles. Cars with such plates are to be used for private use only, and not for commercial purpose, like ferrying tourists and charging them.
What is the Format of a Number Plate?
The format of the number plates of cars in India consists of four parts:
- The first part is two-letter State Codes which indicates the State or Union Territory to which the vehicle is registered.
- The second part is a two-digit number allocated to a district within the respective state or Union Territory.
- The third part is a unique number of four digits assigned to the vehicle.
- The fourth part is a hologram sticker with a laser-branded PIN, which is placed on the bottom left corner of the rear number plate.
- The registration alphabet and number must be in black on a white background for two-wheelers, and light motor vehicles like a car. For commercial vehicles, black alphabet on yellow background.
Can I use my own design on the hologram sticker?
As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the fourth part of the number plate is a hologram sticker with a laser-branded PIN, which is placed on the bottom left corner of the rear number plate. There is no provision for custom designs on the hologram sticker for vehicle number plates in India as of now.
What is the penalty for not having a number plate?
As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), it is mandatory for all vehicle owners to fix a high-security registration plate (HSRP) and colour-coded plate on their vehicles. The fine for not affixing HSRP plate on a vehicle can range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. The fine for driving without proper or valid number plate or illuminating the number plate at the back is Rs.100.
