15th February 2022

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Number plates rule in India

A vehicle registration plate (commonly known as a "number plate") is required for all motorised road vehicles in India. This registration plate is issued by regional transport offices (RTOs) across the state. The number plates are put on both the front and back of the vehicle as per the RTO number plate rules.

The MV Act 1989 (Rules 50 and 51) includes provisions for the following:

1. The number plate registration letter and number on 2-wheelers and LMV Cars should be in black on a white background, while the registration letter and number on commercial vehicles should be in black on a yellow background.

2. The sizes of the number and letters for all vehicles shall be as given in the pamphlet for each category.

3. Display your licence plate number on the front and rear sides of your vehicle as shown in the pamphlet.

4. No fancy lettering is allowed.

5. Other names, pictures, and art are not displayed.

How Are Number Plates Assigned In India?

"A number plate" is the term used to refer to a vehicle number plate. It is a metallic government number plate with the vehicle's official registration number imprinted on it. The official number plate number in India is made up of four distinct components, each of which has a specific purpose, although the numbers may appear random.

The first part of the number plate denoted by two letters reflects the state or UT of the vehicle. If you have bought your car from Haryana then your car’s number plate would start with HR.
The next 2 digit shows the sequential number of the district of that state. Since districts handle the new number plate registration, they have their own RTO (Regional Transport Office).
This unique part of the number plate helps to identify the vehicle. The final digit is replaced with letters if a number is not available. This guarantees that all vehicles have an excess number of codes. Purchasing personalised numbers at a premium cost is a common practice.
This final part of the vehicle’s number plate has an oval logo reading IND with a chromium hologram on top of it to resemble Chakra. It is used in the HSRP (High-Security Registration Plates).

In this manner, a number code is allocated to each RTO. A set number of vehicle issuing authorities are assigned to each state which helps in assigning the number plates in India.

Permanent Registration Format

The current format of the registration index consists of four parts:

1. In the licence plate number allotted by the RTO, the first two letters indicate which State or Union Territory the vehicle is registered in.

2. The next two-digit number is the sequential number of a district.

3. The third part of a vehicle registration plate comprises one to three letters or no letters at all. This shows the registration number as part of a continuing series and classifies the type of vehicle.

4. The fourth part of the licence plate is a number from 1 to 9999, unique to each plate.

As per the India Number Plate Rules-

Types of Vehicle	Plate Size in India
Two and three-wheelers	200 x 100 mm
Car	340x 200 mm or 500 x 120 mm
Medium/ Heavy commercial vehicles	340 x 200 mm

New Number Plate Rules In India

The road transport department of the union government has issued new guidelines for displaying registration numbers on vehicles. Here's what you need to know about the new number plate rules in India:

1. The temporary number plates of newly registered vehicles will be yellow.

2. The numbers and letters will appear in red.

3. Vehicles will have red-coloured number plates with a dealer.

4. The vehicles with dealers will have letters and numbers written in white.

5. If you have a number written on a piece of paper and pasted on your vehicle, you will be issued a challan.

6. Use of regional languages on number plates will not be permitted.

Also, there will be new rules for vehicle number plates in India for BS6 vehicles:

A green-coloured layer of 1cm will be painted on the four-wheeler vehicles' number plates to make enforcement of traffic rules easier for traffic police. A sticker will also be applied to the green layer. The four-wheelers running in either petrol or CNG will have blue stickers, while those using diesel may have orange stickers. This will help the traffic cops to identify the violators more easily.

Also Read: Guide to Transferring a Car's Number Plate in Delhi

High-Security Number Plate Rules

Until April 2019, all vehicles sold must come with high-security registration plates that anti theft alarms can scan according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The Delhi Transport Department has started charging a fine on vehicles without HSRP or colour-coded fuel stickers.

An amount of Rs 10,000 is to be imposed for this offence, but the penalty has been compounded to Rs 5,500 considering the time required for people to get accustomed to the new vehicle number plate rules.

Also Read: How to get a High-Security Registration Plate?

Benefits Of Having High-Security Number Plate In Car

High-security number plates offer several benefits for cars. Firstly, they enhance vehicle security by making it difficult to tamper with or duplicate the plate, reducing the risk of theft and fraud. These plates also aid law enforcement agencies in tracking and identifying vehicles accurately, improving road safety and aiding in the resolution of crimes. Additionally, they promote compliance with traffic regulations, reducing the misuse of vehicles. High-security plates are equipped with features like holograms and unique identification numbers, enhancing their durability and authenticity. Overall, these plates contribute to a safer and more accountable road environment, benefiting both vehicle owners and society as a whole.

Differences between private and commercial vehicle number plate

Commercial plates differ from private plates in that:

Vehicles utilised for business purposes, such as limousines, trucks, and taxis, as well as other vehicles that weigh more than a particular amount, require commercial plates (depending on your state).
Personal vehicles, such as motorhomes, sedans, and SUVs, can have private licence plates as long as they aren't being utilised for rental.
The quantity and specific arrangement of the letters and numbers used are other significant distinctions between commercial and private licence plates.
Commercial licence plates have five numerals, one letter, and one number (e.g. 11111a1).
Ordinary, non-commercial licence plates have 1 number, 3 letters, and 3 numbers on them (e.g. 1aaa111)

Also Read: Benefits of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) in Delhi

Explanation of the significance and symbolism of different car number plate designs in India

A licence plate, often known as a number plate, is made up of letters and numbers that together form an authorised registration number that is provided by the RTO (Regional Transport Office). These number plates shall be mounted front and back in accordance with the regulations for motorised vehicles, with an allowed vehicle provision for illumination.

The international registration code, which is IND for India, is one feature that is shared by all automobiles registered in the nation. These components make up the number plate: The region or state that the car is registered with is indicated by its initials (DL, KL, HR, MH, etc.). For instance, the initials DL will appear on a car registered with the Delhi RTO. The district in which the car is registered is indicated by the next set of numeric numbers. A total of four numbers make up the third portion of the licence plate, which is thought to be distinctive for each car.

A few VIP number sets are also only available at RTO auctions, where they can be purchased for a reasonable amount. As an illustration, 0001, 0786, and 1111.11. Similar to all automobiles from a single nation, the last portion of the number plate indicates the worldwide registration code. For instance, vehicles registered in India have the code IND.

Types of Number Plates

The purpose of punching number plate is to identify your vehicle in addition to being a legal necessity. Many a time, we see the red plate with white letters which signifies the temporary registration number plate colour. However, did you know that India has a variety of number plate types?

1. Standard Number Plates

The registration number of a non-commercial vehicle, such as a private vehicle is normally shown on a standard white number plate with black lettering in India. The format of standard number plates varies as per the state or union territory where your vehicle is registered with.

2. Special Number Plates

Anyone can apply for a special number plate in India but it comes at a very high cost. There are different kinds of special number plates and some of them are discussed below.

VIP and Government Vehicles

Do you know what does red number plate means with the national emblem? This is a government vehicle used by the President, officials of the central government or state government. The VIP number plate with an upward pointing arrow shows the vehicle of military or army officials. However, blue-coloured number plates are used by diplomats.

Fancy and Customized Plates

All that fancy number plates are is a particular sequence of numbers in a serial order that is considered unique. These belong to the number series, such as 0001, 0100, 1111, 4444, 0786, etc. As a result, the RTO auctions off such a series to raise the funds for road development activities.

Numerous different number plate kinds are grouped together based on how distinctively coloured their backgrounds are.

White number plate

The most typical kind of licence plate is this one. It has a background that is all white and black lettering on it. Private or non-commercial vehicles are registered with this licence plate. The transportation of persons or commodities for hire is prohibited in vehicles with white licence plates.

Yellow number plate

The yellow licence plates are also rather widespread and are very noticeable on roadways. These licence plates are typically seen on cabs, lorries, and other commercial vehicles. In contrast to the usual white number plates, a yellow number plate will adhere to a distinct tax system.

They may only be used for business reasons, and anyone caught operating a taxi without a yellow licence plate would be fined. Therefore, all business vehicle drivers with yellow licence plates are required to have an authorised commercial driving permit in accordance with the established set of rules.

Green number plate

Only electric vehicles, such as legally operating buses and other commercial vehicles, may have a green licence plate with white letters (like Mahindra e20, Tata Tigor Electric).

Black number plate

A car registered as a rental or one that is thought to be self-driven will have a black number plate with yellow text. These are frequently found in opulent hotel transportation. The main distinction between a black licence plate and a yellow licence plate is that a driver of a car with a black licence is not required to have a commercial driving permit. The driver will not face any charges or penalties, unlike a driver who has a yellow number plate.

Red number plate

The vehicle is fresh and new, the RTO has not yet issued the permanent registration, and the registration is in the process when the number plate is red with white lettering. It only lasts one month. Not all Indian states permit the use of temporary registration number plates when driving on the roads, in accordance with the various state regulations.

Blue number plate

The United Nations (UN), the Diplomatic Corps (CD), and the Consular Corps are examples of foreign diplomats whose vehicles are identified by a blue number plate with white letters (CC). Rarely does it appear on the roads.

Number plate with an upward-pointing arrow

A number plate featuring an upward-pointing arrow signifies various messages and is often used on vehicles to convey specific information. This arrow design usually indicates that the vehicle is transporting hazardous materials, emphasising the importance of caution and awareness for other road users. It serves as a warning sign, alerting individuals to potential dangers associated with the cargo being transported. This visual cue is vital for emergency responders and law enforcement, helping them quickly identify and respond to incidents involving hazardous materials. Overall, a number plate with an upward-pointing arrow enhances road safety by providing clear and concise information about the nature of the vehicle's cargo, ensuring a safer environment for all on the road.

Red with the emblem of India

A red number plate adorned with the emblem of India holds significant meaning. This distinctive licence plate is reserved for high-ranking government officials and dignitaries, signifying their privileged status and authority. The emblem, featuring the Lion Capital of Ashoka, represents India's sovereignty and national identity. Vehicles bearing this red plate are often associated with government functions, diplomatic missions, and official duties. The colour red itself symbolises power and prestige in this context. It ensures easy recognition and provides these vehicles with special privileges, such as exemption from certain traffic regulations. In essence, the red plate with the emblem of India is a symbol of authority and responsibility, reserved for those serving the nation at the highest levels.

Also Read: How to Get VIP Number Plates?

A step-by-step guide on how to apply for and obtain a new or replacement car number plate in India

Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for and obtaining a new car number plate in India:
Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the traffic department is the first step
Visit the RTO in Step 2 with the Necessary Documents
Documents Must Be Submitted
Re-registering a vehicle after an interstate transfer (Required if the vehicle is from a different state)
Road Tax Payment
Documents Needed in Delhi to Transfer Vehicle Ownership.

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FAQs For Number Plate Rules In India

What does HSRP mean?

It is made of aluminium and is attached to the vehicle using chromium-based non-removable locks. The registration plate in the left corner features a hologram of Ashoka Chakra hot-stamped in blue on the surface. It measures 20mm x 20mm. A laser-engraved 10-digit PIN (permanent identification number) is laser-engraved at the bottom left corner of the plate.

What are the advantages of HSRP?

High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) enhance vehicle security by being tamper-resistant, aiding law enforcement in tracking vehicles, reducing theft, and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.

How to get HSRPs?

To purchase an HSRP number plate online or a colour-coded sticker, go to the relevant online portal and complete the required documentation process. You will need your vehicle registration number, Chassis number, and Engine number to book an appointment and get the HSRP car number plate online.

What are the new rules for vehicle number plates in India?

The new rules for vehicle number plates in India are that all plates must have a uniform size and font, and the letters and numbers must be in black on a white background.

What does the HSRP number plate mean?

HSRP number plate means a high-security registration plate, which is a tamper-proof and theft-resistant plate used to register vehicles in India.

What is a colour code sticker for a car?

A colour code sticker for a car is a sticker on the high-security registration plate that indicates the fuel type of the vehicle.

What are Indian number plate codes?

Indian number plate codes are a combination of letters and numbers used to identify the state and district where the vehicle was registered.

What is the front laser code in HSRP?

The front laser code in HSRP is a unique code engraved on the plate using a laser, which makes it difficult to tamper with or counterfeit.

What is an IND number plate?

IND number plate is a type of registration plate issued to vehicles belonging to the Indian embassy or consulate in foreign countries.

How to get a new number plate in India?

To get a new number plate in India, you need to visit your nearest vehicle registration office or RTO (Regional Transport Office). You will need to provide your vehicle's registration certificate, insurance papers, and government-issued ID proof. The RTO will provide you with a new number plate after verifying your documents and payment of necessary fees.

What are HSRP number plate rules?

HSRP number plate rules are a set of regulations that require all vehicles in India to have a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP). The HSRP number plate is a specially designed registration plate that is meant to be more secure than traditional number plates. The HSRP number plate rules were introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to improve vehicle security and to create uniformity in number plates across the country.

What is the validity of a temporary number plate? (1)

The validity of a temporary number plate varies from state to state in India. In some states, the temporary number plate is valid for up to 30 days, while in others, it is valid for up to 7 days. However, it is important to note that the temporary number plate is meant to be a short-term solution and should be replaced with a permanent number plate as soon as possible.

What is laser code in the car?

A "laser code" in a car commonly refers to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) engraved using laser technology, serving as a unique identifier for the vehicle, aiding in theft prevention and identification.

What is the size of the car number plate?

The size of a car number plate can vary depending on the country and its regulations, but a common size is approximately 12 inches (30 centimetres) in width and 6 inches (15 centimetres) in height.

What is a standard number plate?

A standard number plate is a legal vehicle registration plate that typically displays a combination of letters and numbers, following the prescribed format and design specified by local authorities.

Does RTO provide a number plate?

Yes, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is typically responsible for providing and issuing standard vehicle number plates to registered vehicle owners in compliance with local regulations.