Types of Number Plates in India: A Complete Guide

When you drive on Indian roads, you may notice that not all vehicles have the same kind of number plates. Some are white, some are yellow, and some even have fancy colors like blue and green. Ever wondered what they all mean? Well, you’re in for a treat because, in this blog, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of vehicle number plates in India. Whether you're curious or just want to make sure your own plate is in line with the rules, this guide has got you covered.

Why do different number plates exist?

Before we get into the types, let’s quickly understand why these different number plates exist in the first place. In India, vehicle number plates aren’t just random combinations of letters and numbers. They serve as official identifiers, and their colors and formats signify the purpose of the vehicle, ownership details, and other legalities. These plates help maintain order on the roads and make it easier for authorities to keep track of vehicle registrations.

Now that you know the “why,” let’s move on to the “what” — the types of number plates.

Different types of number plates with their guidelines

White number plate

You’ve probably seen these the most often. White number plates with black letters are for private vehicles. If you own a car or bike for personal use, this is the plate you’ll have. Simple and straightforward, right?

The key here is that these vehicles cannot be used for commercial purposes. So, if you’re thinking about giving a ride hailing service in your personal car, you might want to think again.

Yellow number plate

Spotting a yellow number plate? That’s a commercial vehicle. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, trucks, and buses—basically any vehicle that is used to transport passengers or goods for profit—will have this plate. The letters are black on a yellow background, making them easily distinguishable.

If you see a yellow plate, it's a clear sign that the vehicle is operating for business purposes. And if you're hiring a cab, you might want to check if it’s a yellow plate to ensure it's legally registered.

Green number plate

Green plates are relatively new and are designed for electric vehicles (EVs). If you're eco-conscious and own an electric car, your vehicle will have a green plate.

Now here’s the fun part — green plates come in two variations:

• Private electric vehicles will have a green background with white letters.

• Commercial electric vehicles will have a green background with yellow letters.

This type of plate is the government’s way of promoting sustainable transportation, and as EVs become more popular, you’ll be seeing a lot more of these on the road.

Red number plate

If you’ve ever noticed a red number plate, it probably means the vehicle is fresh off the showroom floor. These red plates are temporary registration plates, typically used when a new vehicle is purchased.

The vehicle owner uses this red plate until the permanent registration number is assigned, after which they must also ensure their car insurance policy is active and up to date. So, if you see a red plate, it means the owner is still in the process of getting their vehicle officially registered.

Blue number plate

You might have noticed that certain official vehicles in India have blue number plates with white letters. These are used for vehicles belonging to foreign diplomats.

The blue background signifies that the vehicle is owned by a foreign embassy or a diplomat stationed in India. You’ll see these plates in areas like Delhi, where many embassies are located.

Black number plate

Now, this one is interesting. Black plates with yellow letters are for self-driven rental vehicles. Companies like Zoomcar or Revv, which allow you to rent cars for self-driving, use this type of plate.

So, if you’re renting a car for a weekend getaway, check for a black plate with yellow letters—that’s your legal rental ride!

Red number plate with India’s Emblem

Vehicles that belong to the President of India or the Governors of states don’t have a typical number plate. Instead, they have red plates with the state emblem of India. These vehicles are extremely exclusive, and you’ll rarely see them unless you happen to be near a high-security event or location.

Number plate with an upward-pointing arrow

Ever seen a plate with an upward-pointing arrow and wondered what that means? That’s a plate reserved for Indian Army vehicles. These plates follow a special numbering system that includes an arrow pointing upwards, followed by unique alphanumeric characters. The arrow represents the Ministry of Defence, and this format helps distinguish Army vehicles from others.

Bharat series (BH) number plate

This is a new initiative introduced by the government to make inter-state vehicle registration hassle-free. The Bharat series number plate, marked with the code 'BH,' allows vehicles to move between states without needing to re-register after a certain period.

This plate is especially useful for government employees or individuals with jobs that require frequent relocation. It’s one of the most forward-thinking steps in making vehicle ownership more flexible in India.

Interesting facts about Indian number plates

• Hologram and IND mark: New number plates in India now come with a hologram and the letters 'IND' to signify that they are high-security registration plates (HSRP). This adds an extra layer of security and authenticity.

• Fancy plates are illegal: Thinking about getting a snazzy custom plate for your car? Be careful! Indian laws are strict when it comes to the design and font of number plates. Anything that deviates from the standard can result in fines.

Rules for vehicle number plates in India

The rules for vehicle number plates in India are very specific, ensuring uniformity, security, and easy identification. Here’s a quick overview of the essential rules every vehicle owner must follow:

Format and size

Number plates must be rectangular in shape, with the size for two-wheelers and light motor vehicles being 200mm x 100mm, and for medium and heavy motor vehicles, it should be 340mm x 200mm.

The registration number must be displayed in two rows, with the state code and district code on the first row and the vehicle’s unique number on the second row.

Color rules

• Private vehicles must have white number plates with black letters.

• Commercial vehicles must use yellow number plates with black letters.

• Electric vehicles (EVs) use green number plates with either white or yellow letters depending on the nature of use.

Visibility

The number plates must always be clearly visible and must not be covered by any objects, mud, or dust. The display should not be obstructed by any fancy frame or decoration.

Font and size

• The font must be in English letters and Arabic numerals.

• A standard, easily readable font size must be used across all vehicles, ensuring it’s legible from a distance. The exact size of the font may vary depending on the size of the vehicle, but it must not be too small or too large.

No fancy plates

• Fancy or decorative number plates are illegal in India. Number plates with extra symbols, stickers, or logos that do not comply with the standard format are subject to fines.

• Use of customized fonts, sizes, or colors can attract penalties from traffic authorities.

High-security registration plate (HSRP)

• All vehicles sold after April 1, 2019, must come with an HSRP.

• Retrofitting an HSRP to older vehicles (registered before April 2019) is mandatory in many states.

Proper placement

• Number plates should be affixed in the designated slots on both the front and rear of the vehicle.

• No stickers, messages, or any other additional markings are allowed on the number plates.

Conclusion

The different types of number plates in India serve more than just aesthetic purposes—they indicate ownership type, the vehicle’s purpose, and sometimes even the status of the owner. Understanding these plates can make you more aware as a driver or pedestrian and ensure you stay on the right side of the law.