In India, vehicle registration plates are more than just identification tags; they also communicate the vehicle’s classification, as well as profession and, in some cases, environmental details. High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) come with security features to avoid fraudulent use of vehicle registrations, making them more secure than standard number plates.
Types of Number Plates in India
White Number Plate
The most common type, white number plates with black lettering are used for private vehicles. These are for private cars and motorcycles, and they do not apply to commercial vehicles. They are issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and have some uniformity of format for the purpose of being able to identify the vehicle easily.
Yellow Number Plate
Yellow number plates with black text are assigned to commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses, and trucks. Yellow number plates signify that this vehicle is for hire, and used to transport people or goods. A commercial driving license is required to operate these vehicles.
Green Number Plate
Green number plates are assigned to electric vehicles (EVs). Private Electric Vehicles (EVs) can have white text on a green background, and commercial EVs have yellow background. The use of color here is part of the effort focuses on greener methods of transportation.
Black Number Plate
Black number plates with yellow text are only for self-drive or rental vehicles. These vehicles are registered as commercial but do not require the driver to possess a commercial driving license. This setup is common in the luxury car rental and fleet services industry.
Red Number Plate
New vehicles are issued with red number plates displaying white letters, which are temporary registration plates. Each red number plate is valid for a short duration, typically 30 days, while permanent registration is processed. These red number plates can identify new vehicles on the road.
Blue Number Plate
Blue number plates with white letters are reserved for foreign missions, embassies, and international organizations; the blue number plates typically have codes such as “CC” (Consular Corps), “DC” (Diplomatic Corps), and “UN” (United Nations), indicating their nature and status.
Number Plate with an Upward-Pointing Arrow
Every vehicle owned by the Ministry of Defence, Indian Armed Forces, or other soldiers is assigned a number plate with an upward-pointing arrow. Each number plate is labelled in a particular format: year of purchase – 2 digit number, base code, serial number, and letter indicating class of service.
Red Number Plate with India’s Emblem
Red number plates with India’s emblem are reserved for government officials at the highest level including the President of India, Vice President of India, Governor of a state, and Lieutenant Governor of a union territory. Each of these red number plates indicates a special status for the vehicle which is not for use by other vehicles or the public.
Standard Format for Vehicle Number Plates in India
A typical Indian vehicle number plate follows this format:
AA 00 AA 0000
LetтАЩs break it down:
AA
- State or Union Territory Code тАУ identifies where the vehicle is registered.
- Example – GJ for Gujarat, MH for Maharashtra
00
- District / RTO Code тАУ represents a particular Regional Transport Office within the state.
- Example – 01 identifies Ahmedabad (East), 12 identifies Pune
AA
- Series Code тАУ used to differentiate between multiple vehicles once earlier numbers are used up.
- Example – AB, CD, etc.
0000
- Unique Vehicle Number тАУ it is a unique number that can range from 0001 and 9999 assigned to each vehicle.
- Example – 4589, 0077
Example
So, for example, a number plate like GJ01AB4589 means:
- GJ тЖТ Gujarat
- 01 тЖТ Ahmedabad RTO
- AB4589 тЖТ Vehicle series and unique number
Importance of Proper Number Plate Maintenance
It is very important to maintain the integrity of a vehicle number plate. A stylized number plate or even altered number plate can create confusion or prevent law enforcement from accurately identifying a vehicle; ultimately resulting in fines/penalties.
To protect your number plate and enhance your vehicle’s appearance, consider services like ceramic graphene coating and paint protection film. These services offer a durable layer, which protects vehicles paint and number plate from exposure and environmental damage. If seeking professional car detailing and services, Autoism India provides the best solutions to preserve and maintain your vehicle.
Conclusion
Vehicle owners in India can benefit from knowing the types and formats for number plates to encourage compliance to rules and enhance road safety. Compliance to number plate formats enhances the road user space that is safe due to clear effective road user communications.
FAQ
1. What is the standard format of number plates in India?
The standard format is AA 00 AA 0000. The first two letters indicate the state code, the next two numbers indicate the transport office district, the next two letters the series code, and the last four numbers the vehicle number.
Example: GJ01AB4589
2. What are High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP)?
High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) are tamper resistant aluminium plates that are affixed with a hot-stamped IND mark, a unique code etched with laser and a snap lock system that also prevents duplication and theft. Its mandatory for all vehicles across the country.
3. Can I use fancy or decorative fonts on my car number plate?
No. The Motor Vehicles Act specifically states that no fancy font, colour, sticker or symbols can be placed on number plates. Only visible and legitimate compliance is English alphabet (A to Z) and Arabic numerals (0 to 9).
4. Is it mandatory to install number plates both at the front and rear?
Yes. All vehicles must display two number plates, one on the front and one on the rear pursuant to RTO rules in all of India.
5. What happens if my number plate doesnтАЩt comply with RTO rules?
Yes. There is a penalty for incorrect or improper number plates and a fine or penalty will be imposed under the Motor Vehicles Act. In some states, these fancy or unreadable number plates can also have the vehicle seize until complying with the proper number plates.
