Car number plate colours in India explained

Car number plates in India are far more varied than the familiar white and yellow ones most of us see each day. Beyond the base colour, plates can feature different coloured letters and numbers, and in some cases, symbols. To make sense of it all, this article breaks down different types of vehicle number plates used in the country, explaining how the colours of the plate and the alphanumeric lettering indicate a vehicle’s purpose.

Private vehicles

White number plate with black letters

As mentioned before, a white plate with black letters and numbers is arguably one of the most common types on Indian roads. It’s used for privately owned vehicles and immediately identifies the car as being for personal use.

Green number plate with white letters

The green background indicates a zero-emission vehicle, such as an electric vehicle, and the white lettering confirms that it is privately registered, distinguishing it from commercial EVs. In the past, we have also seen this being used for hydrogen cars, which use the fuel to make electricity.

Commercial vehicles

Yellow number plate with black letters

Discontinued model (image used for representation only).

Unlike private vehicles, those used for commercial transport wear a yellow plate with black letters, making the distinction immediately clear. Depending on the type of vehicle, driving one may also require a specific licence or permit.

Black number plate with yellow letters

Discontinued model (image used for representation only).

Within the commercial category, rental and self-drive cars flip this colour scheme, using yellow letters on a black background. Furthermore, these vehicles can be driven without the need for a commercial licence.

Green number plate with yellow letters

 

Electric commercial vehicles follow the same logic. While the yellow lettering continues to denote commercial use, the green base signals the transport’s zero-emission status.

Temporary registration vehicles

Yellow number plate with red letters

Discontinued model (image used for representation only).

A temporary registration number, used on unregistered vehicles, is valid for 1 month, within which the owner must complete permanent registration at the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO). As mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every vehicle must eventually be assigned a permanent registration number.

Upcoming model (image used of representation only).

You may also spot red number plates with white letters, and these are usually used on test vehicles.

Disclaimer: Images have not been provided for the following subheads due to security considerations.

Diplomats

Blue number plate with white letters

These plates are issued to diplomats posted at embassies in India, as well as to United Nations officials. They feature a blue background with white alphanumeric characters. If the same blue plate carries yellow letters instead, it indicates a vehicle assigned to someone working at a consulate.

Indian Armed Forces

Distinct upward arrow symbol

A black number plate with white lettering and symbols, like an upward arrow, is for vehicles used by our Armed Forces. Separately, they may also use stars on red for the Army, sky blue for the Air Force, and navy blue for the Navy.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/eY9F5bx