Types of Number Plates in India: An Extensive Guide
Number plates not only represent the unique identity of the vehicle but also depict the distinctive purpose of the automobile. In India, the license plate is the combination of letters and numbers that starts with the initials of the state, such as DL (Delhi), HR (Haryana), and then the district code with a unique numeric combination at the end.
Usually we have witnessed white number plate with black unique identification number, but there are multiple variants issues by RTO. In total, we have 8 or let’s say 9 number plates, each having a meaning. These number plates are considered as High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
It means that these plates are only issued by government and holds the digital database of the owner to prevent theft and illegal activities. So, without much more elaboration, let's distinguish these different types of license plates in India.
White Number Plate
As we discussed earlier, white number plates with black letters are the most common type of plate we will witness in India. This is because these types of number plates are allotted to private owners or non-commercial usage.
You can only use these vehicles for self use and not for profit-making motive by means of transportation. However, there is one exception, and that is bike taxis; they usually have a white number plate with black font unless it's an EV.
Yellow Number Plate
The yellow number plate represents the commercial vehicles, such as taxi, trucks, or autorickshaw. It acts as a permit to drive the vehicle as transportation medium for general public, and it has different authoritative structure.
Green Number Plate
Green number plate with white font represents the private EV (Electric Vehicles). It is applicable to all electric vehicles, whether it is a bus or a car. However, for commercial usage, the number plates have green plates with yellow fonts.
Blue Number Plate in India
The blue background with white lettering represents that the vehicle belongs to a foreign diplomat. There are various initials at the beginning of that denote the origin of diplomats, CC (Consular Corps), UN (United Nations), DC (Diplomat Corps), and so on.
Red Number Plate in India
Red number plate is usually issued by RTO to new vehicles before the actual permanent vehicle number arrives. This temporary number plate allotted is only valid for 30 days from the delivery of the vehicle, allowing the owners to take the automobile on the road.
Black Number Plate
You won’t find the black number plates in India quite often; mostly are modded license plates, and it is illegal to do so. However, the actual reason behind the black license plate is to represent that the vehicle is leased by an organization or business for commercial purposes rather than by a private individual. Black background with yellow fonts is the true identification of this type of vehicle.
Number Plates With Upward Pointing Arrow
The vehicles that have an upward arrow in the number plate represent that the vehicle is used for military transportation. The two digits after the arrow represent the manufacturing year of the vehicle, and the letter ending of the number represents the class of vehicle. For example, in the above image, D represents the truck, similarly A denotes the bike, and K ambulance.
Number Plates With National Emblem
The red number plate with the national emblem of India represents that the vehicle belongs to a high-ranking officer. These vehicles are solely operated and regulated by the central or state government, and mostly used by officials like the President of India, the Vice-President of India, State Governors, and Lieutenant Governors.
Meaning of Stars on Number Plate in India
The stars on the vehicle are aligned with the army personnel; the number of stars represents the designation of the officer. For example, a field marshal would have 5 stars on the number plate, and 4 stars represent that the car belongs to an army general.
There is yet another type of number plate which is not officially sanctioned by used by many for its aesthetic appeal. The above shown image, which has a blue strip with 12 stars in a circular pattern, refers to the EU flag.
It’s not an official type of number plate, and not mandatory to embed it in license plates.
Wrap Up
So this was the entire guide on the types of number plates we have in India and how they are different from one another. Understanding the distinction makes it easier to navigate through the legalities of owning a vehicle.
If your vehicle is not registered under the RTO, you will have to face several legal challenges, and the chances are that your automobile might get seized by the authorities. Let’s ensure that through the medium of this guide, we can fully understand the significance behind number plates and what suits best for us as per our requirements.
Understanding these number plate classifications is only as important as using the proper car care products to keep your vehicle in good condition, whether you're a daily commuter or an automobile enthusiast.
FAQs
Q1. Can we customize the color of the number plate in India?
Ans. No, that is illegal to do in India; you cannot do any alterations to the number plate that is allotted by the RTO (Regional Transport Office).
Q2. What kind of paint is used on numbers for the number plates?
Ans. The black enamel paints with the India encryption on the numbers are used through stamping foil.
Q3. What is the challan (penalty) for an inappropriate number plate?
Ans. The penalty for an inappropriate number plate in India ranges from ₹1,00 to ₹10,000, depending upon the state. However, in extreme cases, a police officer can seize your vehicle.
Q4. Why do we have so many types of number plates in India?
Ans. These distinct types of number plates represent various types or roles of vehicles and highlight the notable authoritative personnel.