Types of Number Plates in India - 2025

What is a Number Plate?

A number plate is a plate that you must attach to the front and back of your vehicle, as per the law (Motor Vehicles Act of 1988). This plate shows your vehicle’s registration number, which is given by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The registration number is made up of:

• First two letters: These show the state where your vehicle is registered. For example, RJ means Rajasthan.
• Next two digits: These show the RTO from where your vehicle got registered. For example, 01 means Ajmer in Rajasthan.
• Two or three letters: These letters show the series for passing the vehicle. For example, DA is a series name.
• Last four digits: These numbers are unique to your vehicle.

The international code IND for India is also shown on the number plate.

Different Types of Vehicle Number Plates in India in 2025

The Government of India introduced a series of new measures and hiked fines to minimize road accidents and traffic violations. Here are the updated New Motor Vehicle Fines 2025:

Different Types of Number Plates in India With Their Guidelines

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) gives out number plates for vehicles. Here are the 8 types of number plates that the RTO issues:

White Number Plate

Eligible Individuals: Common citizens

White number plates are used for private vehicles like cars and bikes. They are the most common plates on the road. The registration number is written in black or dark text.

Yellow Number Plate

Eligible Individuals: Commercial vehicle users

Yellow number plates are for commercial vehicles like taxis, trucks, and buses. These vehicles are used to carry passengers or goods for money. The background is yellow, and the text is written in black.

Green Number Plate

Eligible Individuals: Electric vehicle users

Green coloured number plates are used for electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles run on electricity, which is better for the environment. The green plate indicates them as eco-friendly vehicles.

Black Number Plate

Eligible Individuals: Rental vehicle users (mainly cars)

Black number plates with yellow text are used for rental vehicles or private hire cars. These cars are rented out to people for travel. The black color helps them stand out from other vehicles.

Red Number Plate

Eligible Individuals: Temporary registration number users

A red coloured number plate is assigned to new vehicles. It has a temporary registration number in white. This plate is only valid for 30 days. Once you complete the period, you can get a permanent number plate. Some states may not allow you to drive with this plate for too long.

Blue Number Plate

Eligible Individuals: Foreign vehicle users, mainly Ambassadors and foreign delegates

Blue number plates are for vehicles owned by foreign embassies and missions in India. The plate has white letters and numbers on a blue background. It shows special codes like CC for Consular Corps, UN for the United Nations, and DC for Diplomat Corps.

Number Plate with an Upward-Pointing Arrow

Eligible Individuals: Military vehicle users

A number plate with an upward-pointing arrow is used for military vehicles in India. It has black letters and numbers on a yellow background. The arrow at the top shows that it’s a military vehicle.

Red Number Plate with India’s Emblem

Eligible Individuals: President of India or Governor of a State

Red number plates with India’s emblem are used for official vehicles of high-ranking government leaders. These include the President, Vice President, and Governors. The plate has white letters and numbers on a red background, and India’s emblem is in the center.

Number Plate Rules in India

According to The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every vehicle on public roads must have a registration number from the RTO and a number plate. Here are the important rules for vehicle number plates:

• Commercial vehicles must have black letters on a yellow background for their number plates.
• The letters on the number plate should be in English, and the numbers should be in Arabic numerals.
• The number plate must be visible at both the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Transport vehicles should place the rear number plate on the right side, no more than one meter above the ground.
• Two-wheelers should have the registration number near the handlebar or mudguard.
• For two-wheelers and light motor vehicles (LMVs), the registration number should have black letters on a white background.
• Transport vehicles also need to paint the registration number on the left and right sides of the vehicle.
• The registration number should be shown in two lines: the first line with the state and RTO code, and the second line with a unique alphanumeric code. If there is not enough space, the number can be shown in one line at the front of two-wheelers or any vehicle.
• LMVs can place the number plate in the center with a light to make it visible.
• The size of the number plate and letters should follow the rules mentioned for each type of vehicle.
• The number plate should not have fancy letters, pictures, or other names.
• Stage and contract carriage vehicles should paint the registration number on the divider between the driver and passengers, or on the front left side inside the vehicle facing the passengers. Taxis or motor cabs can paint the number on the dashboard.

Important Updates in the New Number Plate Rules - 2025

The government has introduced new rules that all vehicle owners need to know about. Here are the main updates:

1. High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP)

• HSRPs are made of aluminum and are designed to be tamper-resistant.
• They have a blue Ashoka Chakra hologram with a chromium coating.
• The plate also has a unique 10-digit number (PIN) that is laser-etched, so no two vehicles will have the same code.
• The HSRP is linked to the vehicle’s registration electronically for added security.

2. Color-Coded Stickers

• You will need to put a color-coded sticker on your vehicle to show the fuel type:
• Blue Sticker: For petrol and CNG vehicles.
• Orange Sticker: For diesel vehicles.
• The sticker must be placed on the left side of your vehicle’s windshield.

3. Uniform Plate Sizes

• The new rules set specific sizes for different types of vehicles:
• Two-wheelers: 200 x 100 mm
• Light motor vehicles (cars): 340 x 200 mm or 500 x 120 mm
• Heavy vehicles: 340 x 200 mm
• This ensures all vehicles have a standard and recognizable number plate size.

4. No Custom Designs

• You cannot have decorative designs, fancy fonts, or personal artwork on your number plate.
• The plate must only show the vehicle’s registration details.

5. Dual Display Requirement

• The number plate must be shown at both the front and the rear of the vehicle.
• For two-wheelers, the number plate should be parallel to the handlebars and placed at the front.

Penalties for Breaking Number Plate Rules

According to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, if you use fancy lettering, the wrong color plates, or drive without a proper registration plate, you could face penalties in India. Here are the penalties for violating number plate rules:

• Not displaying a registered number plate: A fine of Rs. 5,000 or up to 3 months in jail, or both.
• Displaying a wrong or changed registration number: A fine of Rs. 10,000 or up to 6 months in jail, or both.
• Using regional language or fancy letters/numbers on the plate: A fine of Rs. 10,000.

Repeat offenders may face higher fines and could have their licenses suspended. So it’s important to follow the rules to avoid legal trouble.

Conclusion

Now that you understand the rules and the different types of vehicle number plates in India with their color codes, getting a vehicle registration plate will be much easier. Following these simple guidelines will help you avoid any confusion and ensure that your vehicle is properly registered.

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