Types of Car Number Plates in India by HRS
HRS Blog Author: Rihanshu Dhawan Types of Car Number Plates in India by HRS Tours In India, vehicle number plates, also known as registration plates, are standardized and regulated by the government. There are several types of number plates, each with specific color schemes and formats to indicate the category and usage of the vehicle. Let us look at what each type of number plate denotes. Here are the main types of car number plates in India What is the car number plate? A car number plate, license, or registration plate is a metal or plastic plate attached to a vehicle. It displays a unique combination of numbers and letters that identify the car. The registration number on the number plate is issued by the relevant government authority and is used for identification and registration purposes. Number plates typically need to be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily visible for identification and law enforcement purposes. HRS is describing all car number plates. — Black Number Plate with Yellow Letters:- In India, a car with a black number plate and yellow letters most likely indicates a self-drive rental vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of what it means: Usage: Rental Vehicles for Self Drive Description: This plate is for self-drive rental vehicles, which individuals can rent for personal use. Vehicle Type: It’s registered for commercial purposes, but specifically for self-rental. This means you can rent and drive the car, unlike taxis or rideshares where you have a driver. Registration Plate: The black background with yellow lettering distinguishes it from private vehicles (white background with black lettering) and other commercial vehicles (yellow background with black lettering). Driver’s License: Unlike regular commercial vehicles, you typically don’t need a commercial driver’s license to operate these self-drive rentals. A standard driver’s license is sufficient. Rental Companies: Companies like Zoomcar, Revv, HRS Tours (https://hrstours.com/), or other car rental agencies often use these black and yellow plates for their self-drive fleets. Key Point: These vehicles are commercially owned but rented out for private use. — White Number Plate with Black Letters:- In India, a car with a white number plate and black letters signifies the following: Usage: Private Vehicles Description: These plates are used for personal vehicles that are not meant for commercial use. Examples: Family cars, personal motorcycles, and scooters. Private Vehicle: This is the most common type of number plate seen in India. It indicates the vehicle is registered for private use only. Non-Commercial: The car cannot be used for commercial purposes like transporting goods or hiring passengers (e.g., taxis, rickshaws). Legally Owned: The white number plate with black lettering signifies the vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and has a valid registration. Key Point: These vehicles cannot be used for commercial activities, such as carrying goods or passengers for payment. — Yellow Number Plate with Black Letters:- A car with a yellow number plate and black letters most likely indicates a commercial vehicle in India. Here’s a breakdown of what it means: Usage: Commercial Vehicles Description: These plates are for vehicles that are used for commercial purposes, like transporting goods or passengers for hire. Appearance: Yellow background with black letters and numbers. Examples: Taxi cabs, trucks, buses, and auto-rickshaws. Vehicle Type: This type of number plate is used on various commercial vehicles like taxis, rickshaws, buses, trucks, and even fleet cars owned by companies. Regulations: These vehicles have different regulations compared to private cars. They typically require a commercial driving license and might have a different tax structure. Exceptions: There’s one exception to the rule. In India, some luxury hotels might register their self-driven rental cars with black number plates and yellow lettering. However, these vehicles are still considered commercial and might have limitations on usage compared to private rentals. Key Point: These vehicles are regulated differently from private vehicles and must follow specific commercial vehicle laws. — Number Plate with an Arrow Pointing Upward:- Use: Military Vehicles Description: Appearance: These number plates have an upward-pointing arrow, known as the “Broad Arrow,” along with a series of alphanumeric characters. Purpose: These plates are used exclusively on vehicles owned and operated by the Indian Armed Forces. Details: The upward-pointing arrow is a distinctive symbol indicating military ownership. The alphanumeric characters usually include the registration number specific to the military vehicle. These vehicles can include a wide range of types, such as jeeps, trucks, armored vehicles, and more. Additional Information: Privileges: Military vehicles often have special privileges and are subject to different rules compared to civilian vehicles. Identification: The unique arrow symbol makes it easy to identify military vehicles on the road. Understanding these plates helps in recognizing military vehicles and respecting their specific operational requirements and privileges. — Green Number Plate with White Letters:- A car with a green number plate and white letters indicates that it’s an electric vehicle (EV) registered for private use in India. Here’s a breakdown of what this means: Usage: Electric Vehicles (Private) Description: These plates are used for private electric vehicles to promote environmental sustainability. Appearance: Green background with white letters and numbers. Examples: Personal electric cars and two-wheelers. – Color Significance: Green Background: This color is specifically reserved for electric vehicles to distinguish them from conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles easily. – Lettering Colour: White Letters: White lettering is used for private electric vehicles. – Additional Points: Commercial EVs: Electric vehicles used for commercial purposes (taxis, buses, etc.) will have the same green background but with yellow lettering instead of white. Benefits of EVs: Green number plates often come with perks for EV owners in India, such as exemptions or discounts on tolls, free or preferential parking, and access to special lanes for faster traffic flow. Regulation Updates: There have been revisions to the green number plate rules. Currently, the entire plate must have a green background with white or yellow lettering for numbers and letters. In essence, a green number plate with white letters signifies an eco-friendly electric
