Number Plates in India: Types, Colors & Their Meaning

In India, number plates (also called vehicle registration plates) do much more than identify your vehicle — they tell a story about its purpose, ownership, and tax status. If you’re wondering about the different Types of Number Plates in India, their colors, and what they signify, this guide is for you.

Number Plates

Why Are Number Plates Important?

Every vehicle in India, whether it's a car, bike, truck, or bus, is legally required to have a valid number plate. Issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), these plates help track ownership, ensure road tax is paid, and aid law enforcement.

Types of Number Plates in India (With Color Codes)

Let’s decode the most common number plates seen on Indian roads:

1️⃣ White Number Plate

• Use: Private vehicles

• Font Color: Black text on white background

• Meaning: For personal use only, not for commercial purposes

  
  

2️⃣ Yellow Number Plate

• Use: Commercial vehicles (taxis, trucks)

• Font Color: Black text on yellow background

• Meaning: Licensed to carry passengers or goods for hire

  
  

3️⃣ Green Number Plate

• Use: Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Font Color:

• Private EVs: White text on green background

• Commercial EVs: Yellow text on green background

• Meaning: Zero-emission vehicles, promoted under EV policies

4️⃣ Red Number Plate

• Use: Temporary registration

• Font Color: White text on red background

• Meaning: Vehicle awaiting permanent registration

5️⃣ Blue Number Plate

• Use: Vehicles of foreign diplomats

• Font Color: White text on blue background

• Meaning: Not bound by Indian taxation laws, includes embassy cars

6️⃣ Black Number Plate

• Use: Self-drive rental vehicles (Zoomcar, Revv, etc.)

• Font Color: Yellow text on black background

• Meaning: Commercial registration but used by private renters

7️⃣ Number Plates with Upward Arrow

• Use: Military and defense vehicles

• Font Color: Usually black text on white

• Meaning: Registered under the Ministry of Defense

📝 Format of Indian Number Plates

An Indian number plate usually follows this pattern:State Code (2 letters) + RTO Code (2 digits) + Series (1-2 letters) + Unique Number (1-4 digits)

Example:DL 01 AB 1234

• DL: Delhi

• 01: RTO Zone

• AB: Series

• 1234: Vehicle Number

🔎 High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP)

Since 2019, High-Security Registration Plates have been made mandatory in many states.

• Made of aluminum with a unique laser code

• Comes with a hologram to prevent tampering

• Helps reduce vehicle theft and fraud

⚡ Special Number Plates in India

• VIP Numbers: Fancy numbers like 0001, 0786, 9999 (available at extra cost)

• BH Series: Bharat series number plates for seamless interstate vehicle movement

✅ Key Takeaways

• Number Plates in India help classify vehicle ownership, usage, and tax rules

• Different colors represent private, commercial, electric, temporary, and defense vehicles

• Always use authorized plates to stay legal and avoid fines

🚗 Need Help Managing Your Fleet Vehicles?

Track all your fleet documents, registrations, and compliance easily with Fleetable’s Fleet Management Software.

Request for Demo