Red Number Plates in India

Manoj Kumawat
Written by Manoj Kumawat
15 September 2025
Share
Buy Motor Insurance Online at Motor Insurance Online 2094*

By clicking on You, Agreed to our Privacy Policy & Terms of use *Disclaimer

  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • 5.5 CoreRegistered Consumers
  • 50+Insurance Partners
  • 3.4 CorePolicies Sold
Red Number Plates in India

Just like the colours in a rainbow, we have multiple colours in the number plate too. And, every colour has its own significance in meaning. For example, wite for private, yellow for commercial, green for electric, blue for diplomat, and black for rentals. There is one more type, a Red number plate!

Red number plates can often be seen on roads while driving and have a significant meaning. It is of two types: Red Plate with White Letters and Red Plate with White Letters and Golden Emblem.

To know more about the red number plate specifically, join us with this blog.

Red number plates in India are a special type of number plate that has two different categories. One with white letters is a temporary number plate for new vehicles. A red number plate with white letters is only valid for 30 days. And, one with a golden emblem is issued only to government officials. There are some additional benefits given to the vehicles with an emblem, such as parking in the no-parking area and exemption from tolls.

What are Red Number Plates in India?

A red number plate in India means the vehicle has a special type of registration with the RTO. It includes:

1 Red Number Plate with White Letters

A red number plate with white letters is given to the new vehicles. It is actually a temporary number plate which is valid for 30 days, within which you should apply for the permanent number plate. In some states, using a vehicle with a red plate for longer than the allowed period is not permitted. This rule ensures that every new vehicle gets proper registration on time.

2 Red Number Plate With White Letters and Golden Emblem

A number plate with the national emblem is special in itself. So, a red number plate with white letters and a golden emblem is used only on very high government authority vehicles. These include the President of India, the Vice President, the Governors of States, the Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, and other top officials. This number plate is easily recognizable due to the golden emblem.

Key Features of the Red Number Plate in India

Here are the key features of the red number plate:

  • Categorisation: A Red number plate can be of two types, including one with white letters and the other with a golden emblem (along with white letters).
  • Unique Appearance: Red colour is catchy to the eyes and has a unique look with a golden emblem (one used by government officials)
  • Limited Validity: A Red number plate with white letters is given to the new vehicle for 30 days. You must obtain a permanent number plate within that timeframe.
  • Serves Official Purpose: The Golden emblem defines the government's purpose vehicles. It helps the government vehicle to stand out in public so that it can get authorised benefits.

How to Get Red Number Plates in India?

To get a red number plate in India, you have to follow the given steps:

1 For Red Number Plate with White Letters

  • Step 1: Buy your vehicle.
  • Step 2: Then, you will get a Temporary Registration Certificate (TR).
  • Step 3: Apply for a red number plate at your nearby RTO.
  • Step 4: Submit the required documents such as ID proof, insurance, and vehicle invoice.
  • Step 5: Now, you will get a red number plate with 30 days' validity.

2 For Red Number Plate with Golden Emblem

You can not apply for this number plate as it is a reserved number plate for government vehicles. A person working as a high-level official can only get this number plate for their vehicle. The President of India, the Vice President of India, the State Governors, Lieutenant Governors, and other high-ranking government officials can get this number plate for exclusive use.

Rules for Red Number Plate in India

Here are some rules that you have to follow if your vehicle is eligible for a red number plate in India:

1 For Red Number Plate with White Letters Only

  • A red number plate is only valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
  • Get your permanent number plate for the vehicle within 30 days of the issue of the red number plate with white letters.
  • A red number plate can not be transferred in case of a second-hand vehicle.
  • After issuing a permanent number, the red number plate should be removed.

2 For Red Number Plate with White Letters and Golden Emblem

  • A red number plate with an emblem can only be used by high-ranking officials.
  • A red number plate with an emblem is exempt from parking and tolls when on duty.
  • There are strict rules and penalties to restrict the misuse of the emblem number plate.
  • If a normal citizen uses a red number plate with an emblem, then he/she will be liable for strict penalties.

Conclusion

Lastly, this blog states the meaning and importance of red number plates in India. A red number plate in India means a temporary and official number plate at different times. Understanding the meaning, significance, and validity will help you to be aware of the suitability of these number plates. With the right knowledge, you can avoid fines and penalties easily. Use of the right number plate will not only help you to ensure safety but also promote legal use of your vehicle.

FAQs

A red number plate in India is a temporary registration plate given to new vehicles. It is valid for a short period of time (until the permanent registration number is issued).

A red number plate in India is used to show temporary registration. With this number plate, you can drive a brand-new vehicle legally while waiting for the permanent number. 

 

The red number plate in India is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

 

No, a red number plate is only valid for 30 days. After this time period, you have to get a permanent vehicle number plate for your vehicle. Using it beyond the valid period is illegal.

This special plate is used only by the President of India and the State Governors for their official vehicles.

Manoj Kumawat
Written by Manoj Kumawat
15 September 2025

Mr. Manoj Kumawat is an intrinsic character of Square Insurance Brokers Private Limited since the start of the organization.

Disclaimer* :- This article is shared to help inform the public and is for general information only. Please do not treat this article as the final word on the topic. We recommend that you do more research or talk to an expert if you need more advice.
Buy Motor Insurance Online at Motor Insurance Online 2094*

By clicking on You, Agreed to our Privacy Policy & Terms of use *Disclaimer

  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • rating
  • 5.5 CoreRegistered Consumers
  • 50+Insurance Partners
  • 3.4 CorePolicies Sold

Calculate your Car IDV

Select Brand
Select
Select Year