Types of number plates on vehicles in India: Let’s find out!

India Becomes Third Largest Automotive Market in the World

Recently, India has surpassed Japan to become the third largest automotive market in the world. It is now only behind the United States and China. In order to drive all types of vehicles on the road, it is mandatory to register them with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and obtain a unique registration number for each vehicle.

• India has become the third largest automotive market in the world, surpassing Japan.
• All vehicles in the country must be registered with the RTO and obtain a unique registration number.

White Number Plates

The white number plate is the most commonly seen license plate in the country. It consists of black numbers on a white background. This registration plate is used for private or non-commercial vehicles and cannot be used for commercial purposes, such as renting to passengers or transporting goods.

Yellow Number Plates

Yellow number plates are used for commercial vehicles, with black numbers on a yellow background. They are applicable to light commercial vehicles such as taxis, autos, and trucks. The tax rate for these vehicles is applicable to private vehicles, and the drivers must also have a commercial vehicle driving license.

Green Number Plates

Green number plates are exclusively issued for electric vehicles (EVs). It is applicable for all EVs with white lettering, while EVs used for commercial purposes are reserved for yellow lettering.

• Green number plates are issued exclusively for electric vehicles.
• White lettering is used for private EVs, while yellow lettering is used for commercial EVs.

Red Number Plates

Red number plates are issued for temporary registration of vehicles. The red number plate can be used until the vehicle receives a permanent registration number from the RTO. However, the red number plate is valid only for one month. These number plates are usually issued for vehicle testing purposes and many states in the country do not allow such vehicles to operate on their roads.

Blue Number Plates

Blue number plates are reserved for foreign diplomats. These number plates usually have one of three codes ★CC (Consular Corps), UN (United Nations), or CD (Corps Diplomatique). Instead of displaying the state code, these number plates display the country code of the diplomat.

Arrow Number Plates

Arrow number plates are specifically reserved for military purposes and are registered under the Ministry of Defence. The arrow pointing upwards after the first or second letter represents a broad arrow. The digits after the arrow indicate the year of vehicle purchase, followed by the base code, sequence number, and the final letter indicating the vehicle category.

India Emblem Number Plates

India emblem number plates are exclusively reserved for the President of India or Governors of states.

Black Number Plates

Black number plates with yellow lettering are usually registered as a property of luxury hotels. They fall under the category of commercial vehicles, but it is not mandatory for their drivers to have a commercial license.

India Series

In addition to the state code, the general public in India can also apply for “BH” or India series license plates for their vehicles. Employees of central and state governments, as well as private sector employees with offices in four or more states or union territories, can also apply for the BH series number plates.