Types of number plates in India 2025

Number plates were never something Ravi gave much thought to, at least, not until today. The buzz of engines, the rush of wind, and the dream of owning his own car had lived in his mind for years. And now, it was finally real. Pride swelled in his chest as he made his way to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to complete the final paperwork. But just as he pulled into the parking lot, something unusual caught his eye.

The different types of number plates.

Why are some green, some yellow, and others white? What do these colours and patterns mean? Are they just random, or do they serve a bigger purpose? As Ravi stood there, these questions started circling in his mind, nudging his curiosity more than he expected.

Standing in line, Ravi’s curiosity gets the better of him. He starts spotting the differences: an official car with a red plate and Indian Emblem, a taxi with a yellow one, and even a sleek electric vehicle sporting a green plate. Each one seems to tell its own story, but what’s the connection?

Unable to resist, he strikes up a conversation with an RTO official. To his surprise, the official explains that these plates aren’t just about numbers, they’re a vital system to keep our roads organised and our vehicles identifiable. From distinguishing private vehicles to recognising commercial and eco-friendly options, these plates play a key role in India’s transport ecosystem.

Intrigued?

In this article, we will take you to the interesting world of number plates, deciphering their colour combination, designs, and significance. By the end, you’ll have all the answers Ravi sought, and more.

What Is A Number Plate?

A number plate, also known as a vehicle registration plate, should be affixed to each side of your vehicle, at both the front and the rear.

But what is its importance? According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, all vehicles running on public roads must have a registration authority-approved registration number. Otherwise, the vehicle is not legal to be on the road.

The registration number, issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), is unique for each plate. This is not some random number, it consists of specific parts which carry a particular meaning. Imagine this as the ID of your vehicle!

And here is something that will interest you: these plates have their complete design and specifications that follow High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) rules.

Ever wondered what these plates were made of? Typically, they're crafted from aluminium, and the lettering and numbering system is given so that your vehicle is better identified.

The Format of Indian Vehicle Number Plates

The government-prescribed format is given for all number plates, which should be strictly followed by all vehicle owners. A number plate contains various key constituents, which determine the registration of a vehicle. Let's discuss the constituent parts of an Indian vehicle number plate-

• State / UT Code: The first two letters of a vehicle number plate signify the state or union territory to which that vehicle is registered. So, "UP" represents Uttar Pradesh, while "TN" represents Tamil Nadu. Every Indian state and union territory has its own two-letter code, and all vehicles registered in that area begin with these letters. You’ll find the complete list of state / UT codes below:

• RTO Registration: After the state code, the next two digits on a number plate represent the specific Regional Transport Office (RTO) where the vehicle is registered. Every RTO has a distinct number. For example, "UP 14" signifies that the vehicle is registered at the Ghaziabad RTO in Uttar Pradesh.
• Alphanumeric Code: The third section of a number plate contains a unique alphanumeric code that helps identify the vehicle. It is bifurcated as follows-
  • It includes one to three letters representing the current registration series of the respective RTO. These letters can hint at the number of vehicles registered and, in some cases, even the type of vehicle. When a series is fully utilised, the RTO moves on to the next sequence.
  • The final part of a number plate is a unique four-digit number ranging from 0001 to 9999 that makes your vehicle unique in the specified series. If no unique number is available, then alphabets are used as a replacement for the last digit. For those who prefer a personalised touch, a premium fee can be paid to choose a desired number. For example, "PS 1187" can be a personalised number plate.
• IND Symbol: The last number on the plate is an oval symbol displaying 'IND,' signifying that the vehicle is registered in India. In HSRP, the oval logo has on top a chromium hologram that appears as a 'Chakra.' HSRP was incorporated in 2005 in order to reduce burglary of vehicles.

Different Types Of Number Plates And Their Meaning

Let’s look at the types of number plates that are available in India-

• White Number Plate: This plate is allotted to non-commercial vehicles, like personal cars and motorbikes. It bears the state code, district code, and a unique number. For example, "MH XX AB 1234" says it is a Maharashtra-registered vehicle.
• Yellow Number Plate: The yellow number plate in India is reserved for commercial vehicles like taxis, buses, and trucks. It typically begins with the state code followed by the numerical digits and may contain letter prefixes to identify the type of vehicle (for example, "DL 01 TA 1234" means it's a taxi of Delhi, which helps classify commercial from private vehicles).
• Green Number Plate: Electric and hybrid vehicles, which comply with certain standards, like an 80 km minimum range for EVs, are allowed to use the green number plate in India. It has a green background with white lettering and a lotus emblem. Green-plate vehicles are entitled to exemptions from tolls and preferential parking.
• Red Number Plate: The red number plate in India is given to cars under temporary registration or for testing purposes. This symbolises that a vehicle has not been issued a permanent number for registration. Rules may vary from state to state for their usage on public roads.
• Blue Number Plate: The blue number plate in India is assigned to vehicles used by foreign diplomatic missions. It features white letters and numbers on a blue background, often accompanied by a country emblem. Such vehicles are entitled to special privileges under international law, including tax exemptions.
• Black Number Plate: The black number plate is assigned to self-driven rental cars and has yellow letters. While it is reserved for commercial purposes, no private vehicle may use them.
• Number Plate with Upward-Pointing Arrow: Vehicles that fall under the category of armed forces issued by the Ministry of Defence can bear this number plate and make a few exceptions regarding the rules of the traffic.
• Red Number Plate With An Indian Emblem: This is usually for government-owned vehicles, especially by high-ranking officials. They strictly use it only for official purposes, and those using it without authority will be penalised.

Ravi’s curiosity piqued when the official explained HSRPs. Read on to know what he was told.

What Is A High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP)?

HSRPs are the standardised vehicle license plate system of India, aimed at boosting security and making it difficult to forge registration plates. The plates are made of aluminium and are secured using non-reusable latches. One of the key features of the plates is a chromium-based hologram sticker of the Ashoka Chakra in blue, which is self-destructive and cannot be tampered with.

In addition, HSRPs feature a 10-digit Permanent Identification Number (PIN) that shall be laser-etched onto the reflective sheeting on the bottom left-hand side of the registration plate, with each character measuring 5 mm in height. Additionally, the word 'INDIA' shall appear in blue colour at a 45-degree angle. This gives the registration plate an extremely advanced design that will ensure not only security but also prompt identification.

All vehicle owners were compelled to fit the High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) by July 2022. Those whose plates were bought before April 1, 2019, had to change them since newly issued plates are already HSRPs. To replace an existing registration plate, vehicle owners must go through authorised motor vehicle dealers or certified HSRP manufacturers and suppliers. However, the process can only take place after the old plate has been surrendered and destroyed.

The cost of HSRPs, including affixing the plates to the vehicle following the completion of registration, will be included in the price of a new vehicle. Dealers are barred from adding any additional or itemised fees for the plates.

The Central Government shall prescribe the HSRP standards, including the designation of testing agencies for Type Approval for HSRPs, specifying the implementation schedule for them. Manufacturers or dealers should also maintain a proper daily record of all registration plates issued to ensure transparency and adherence to the regulations.

Source - Parivahan

As Ravi was scanning through a number plate he noticed how each number plate was curated with different components. This made him wonder what each of those meant. Scroll further to know!

Components Of A Number Plate

Let’s have a detailed look at the components of the different types of number plates in India-

• Registration Mark: This is an identification number consisting of letters and numbers, usually assigned by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) when one registers the vehicle. It can be considered the primary identification of the vehicle.
• State Code: This is the first two-letter code on the number plate, which represents the state or union territory where it is registered. For example, "DL" shows that it is from Delhi, and "MH" means Maharashtra.
• Emblem: Some number plates also carry an emblem like the National Emblem of India that gives the impression of a governmental or official operation of the vehicle.
• Colour: Depending upon the vehicle type, the colour of the number plate varies- a private vehicle shows a white plate while a commercial vehicle has a yellow coloured plate. The colour of the number plate of rental cars is black and has yellow letters; those that are registered under the International Convention on the Transport of Goods (TIR) are blue in colour and have white letters.
• Font: The alphabet and numerals should be in English and legible from a distance. The font is normally standard, but varies a little bit by state.
• Size: The legal requirements specify the size of number plates. The front number plate is 20 cm x 10 cm, and the rear one is 22 cm x 12 cm.

Number Plates Rules In India- Recent Updates And Changes For 2025

As of 2025, certain updates were made regarding the different types of vehicle number plates in India. Let’s look at them-

• Compulsory HSRP Plates: High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) are now mandatory for all vehicles officially registered in India. Starting July 1, 2022, all new vehicles come with HSRP plates pre-fitted at the time of purchase. While states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu haven’t announced specific deadlines yet, Karnataka has already set a clear timeline. Failing to install HSRP plates in Karnataka can result in fines ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000. In Maharashtra, the MMVD has made HSRPs compulsory in order to minimise vehicle-based crimes. All the owners of vehicles in the state will be required to fit new plates on their vehicles by March 31, 2025. Failing this, the vehicle owners will have to pay the penalty according to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The government is also requesting all vehicle owners to make advance bookings of their appointments to avoid last-minute hassle and ensure compliance with these very important safety measures.
• BH Plates Adoption: BH plates were introduced in 2021 by MoRTH, through which the registration of any vehicle is standardised throughout the country, and there is no necessity to transfer the registration in case of shifting between states. The road tax for BH plates is 14 years valid and rated as follows:
  To apply for a BH number plate, applicants must have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate and proof of road tax payment. Those eligible include employees of banks, the state and central government, administrative services, and private companies with offices in more than four states or union territories.

Apart from general updates, there were certain upgrades in the rules as well. Let’s have a glance at them-

• Display Of Registration Number: The Road Transport Department of the Union Government has introduced updated guidelines for displaying vehicle registration numbers. Here are the rules you should know about-
  • Newly registered vehicles with temporary number plates must have yellow plates with numbers and letters written in red.
  • Vehicles held by dealers must display red plates, with the numbers and letters written in white.
  • Using a piece of paper to display the registration number on a vehicle is prohibited and will result in a challan.
  • Number plates with any regional language are not allowed; only authorised formats are permitted.
• Size Specifications: The front number plate should have dimensions of 20 cm x 10 cm, while the rear plate must measure 22 cm x 12 cm.
• Attachment And Visibility: Number plates must be firmly attached to the vehicle and remain fully visible, without being covered by any part of the vehicle or its accessories.
• Prohibition on Alterations: Modifying number plates in any form, such as altering their colour, lettering, or design, is strictly prohibited.
• Transport Vehicle Requirements: For transport vehicles, the rear number plate is to be placed on the right side at a distance of 1 meter from the ground. In addition, the registration number is to be painted clearly on both sides of the vehicle.

Vehicle owners are recommended to understand every updated rule and regulation. Non-compliance attracts penalisation, and further fines and legal action could arise under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. All vehicle owners must stay updated about changes to maintain compliance and ensure a uniform and safe vehicular system across India.

Important Note: The above provided list of rules is not exhaustive.

Laws Related To Vehicle Registration Number Plates In India

There are certain laws and regulations that should be kept in mind while getting a vehicle number plate in India. Here’s an overview of them-

• Mandatory Vehicle Registration Plates: In India, it is compulsory for all motor vehicles to have a valid registration plate issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), as required under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Recent updates by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) are designed to enhance security, prevent fraud, and streamline registration plate regulations.
• Private Vehicles: Private automobiles should have a white plate with black lettering where all text is in the English language.
• Commercial vehicles: Commercial usage vehicles, including taxis, buses, cabs, and trucks, should be mounted with a yellow number plate with black lettering.
• Government Vehicles: Vehicles operated or owned by government authorities, an example of which is government vehicles, should have a red plate with white lettering and a national emblem.
• Rental Cars: Self-drive rental cars should bear a black number plate with yellow lettering.
• Temporary Registration Updates: Using a paper-printed temporary registration number on a vehicle is now an offence. Temporary license plates will now feature red alphanumeric characters on a yellow background, replacing the earlier colour scheme.
• Character Restrictions: According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), use of characters other than basic letters of the English alphabet and Arabic numerals is forbidden on number plates. This includes a ban on regional language characters and the auction or sale of VIP numbers by states or Union Territories.
• Updated Specifications: The Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) now require specific dimensions for number plates: characters must be 65 mm in height, with a 10 mm thickness and spacing. On BS-VI four-wheelers, an additional 1 cm of green coloured band/sticker is added, besides a colour sticker signifying the nature of fuel in the vehicle, as orange for diesel and blue for CNG or Petrol.

Legal Implications And Fines Related To Number Plates

There are a few legal ramifications and penalties related to the types of number plates. Here’s what they are-

Note: The police have the authority to impose these fines immediately.

Summarising It Up

Every plate tells a story of the vehicle, its purpose, and the laws that govern it. By complying with number plate regulations, we all play a part in creating safer, better-organised roads.

So, the next time you spot a yellow taxi, a green EV, or a red diplomatic car, take a moment to think about the story it’s telling. And remember, keeping your number plate updated and compliant isn’t just about following the law, it’s about contributing to a seamless vehicular ecosystem across India.

And if you are looking to protect your vehicle, motor insurance might be the option with its more specific two wheeler insurance and car insurance.

Disclaimer

The content provided here is intended solely to inform and explain. It has been compiled from various sources and may be subject to change. Since we are not an expert on this topic, we recommend consulting a qualified professional for better understanding or before taking any action.

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