Every car, bike, bus, and truck in India must have a number plate. It is like a name tag for vehicles. The government uses number plates to check vehicle ownership and track traffic rules.
But not all number plates are the same. The color of a number plate tells what the vehicle is used for.
This guide will explain:
What a number plate is
Why vehicles need number plates
Different types of number plates in India
Rules for number plates
How to get a number plate
What happens if you use the wrong number plate
Let’s begin.
1. What is a Number Plate? Why Do Vehicles Need It?
A number plate is a small board with a special number given to a vehicle by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Why Do Vehicles Need a Number Plate?
Helps police find stolen vehicles
Shows who owns the vehicle
Helps track vehicles that break traffic rules
Makes sure every vehicle follows the law
Helps in paying road tax
A number plate must be fixed on both the front and back of a vehicle.
2. Different Types of Number Plates in India
There are different colors of number plates. Each color has a special meaning.
1. White Number Plate – Private Vehicles
Color: White background with black letters
Used For: Private cars and bikes
Rules:
Cannot be used for business
Cannot be used for taxi services
Example: If you have a car for personal use, it will have a white number plate.
2. Yellow Number Plate – Commercial Vehicles
Color: Yellow background with black letters
Used For:
Taxis (Ola, Uber, Auto Rickshaws)
Trucks, buses, and delivery vans
Rules: The driver must have a commercial driving license
Example: When you take a taxi or auto-rickshaw, it will have a yellow number plate.
3. Black Number Plate – Rental Cars (Self-Drive)
Color: Black background with white letters
Used For: Rental cars like Zoomcar and Revv
Rules:
These cars can be rented for self-driving
You do not need a commercial license to drive them
Example: If you rent a car from Zoomcar, it will have a black number plate.
4. Green Number Plate – Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Color: Green background with either white or yellow letters
Used For: Electric cars, bikes, and buses
Types:
Private EVs: White text on a green plate
Commercial EVs: Yellow text on a green plate
Example: If you see a Tata Nexon EV or Ola Electric Scooter, it will have a green number plate.
5. Blue Number Plate – Vehicles of Foreign Diplomats
Color: Blue background with white letters
Used For: Vehicles owned by embassies and foreign officials
Special Markings:
CC – Consular Corps
CD – Diplomatic Corps
UN – United Nations Officials
Example: If you see a blue number plate, it belongs to an embassy or a foreign diplomat.
6. Red Number Plate – Temporary Registration
Color: Red background with white letters
Used For: Brand-new vehicles before getting a permanent number
Rules:
Can be used for only one month
Issued by the car showroom or dealer
Example: When you buy a new car, it will have a red number plate before permanent registration.
7. Government Vehicles – Special Emblem Instead of Numbers
Color: No number, only the Ashoka Emblem
Used For: High-ranking government officials
Examples:
President of India
Prime Minister of India
Governors and Chief Ministers
Example: If a car has only the Indian National Emblem and no number, it belongs to the government.
8. Bharat Series (BH Number Plate) – For People Who Move Between States
Color: White background with black text
Used For: People who move between states often, like
Government employees
Private sector workers
Army and Air Force officers
Benefit: No need to re-register the car when moving to a new state
Example: A car with KA BH 1234 XX can be used in any state without new registration.
3. Rules for Number Plates in India
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made rules for number plates.
1. New Number Plates Must Be High-Security (HSRP)
All vehicles made after 2019 must have HSRP plates
These plates have a laser-engraved code to prevent fraud
Color stickers on the plate show fuel type
Blue: Petrol or CNG
Orange: Diesel
Green: Electric
2. Fancy Number Plates Are Not Allowed
No stylish fonts, stickers, or small letters
Number plates must use the official font size
3. Plates Must Be Clearly Visible
Number plates must be clean and easy to read
Broken or damaged number plates must be replaced immediately
4. How to Get a Number Plate for Your Vehicle
Steps to Get a Number Plate
- Visit the nearest RTO office or apply online at the Parivahan website
- Submit documents like
Aadhaar Card or ID proof
Address proof
Vehicle invoice
Insurance papers
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Pay the registration fee and road tax
- The RTO gives a permanent registration number
- Get an HSRP number plate from an authorized dealer
5. Fines for Using the Wrong Number Plate
If a vehicle has a wrong or illegal number plate, the owner will be fined.
| Mistake | Fine in Rupees |
| Using a fancy or illegal number plate | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| No High-Security Registration Plate HSRP | 10,000 |
| Fake number plate | Vehicle taken by police |
| Covering or hiding the number plate | Legal action |
Tip: Never modify or cover your number plate. It is illegal.
6. Conclusion
Number plates help keep traffic safe and organized. The government has made new rules like HSRP, BH-Series, and Green Plates for EVs to improve vehicle security.
If you own a vehicle, make sure your number plate follows RTO rules to avoid fines. Always get a legal, registered number plate and never modify or cover it.
