INDIA’S NUMBER PLATE TYPES

In a superstitious country like India, people ask numerologists about the numbers that they should have on their number plates to get lucky in life. That is the kind of seriousness that number plates in our country demand. You might have never thought that such a trivial thing could carry so much relevance unless you’re an Indian. People feel a four-digit number can bring them fortunes that they haven’t even imagined. The numbers create some magic that their lives can get transformed for the better. But we, at Autobest are not here to discuss the numerological aspect of number plates but, the logic behind number plates and the different types of number plates that are there in India. So, let’s just get on with it.

Before we proceed any further, you must know that a number plate is also called a registration plate or a license plate. It is a metal or in some cases, a plastic plate attached to a vehicle for identification purposes. All countries require these plates for all kinds of road vehicles.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF NUMBER PLATES IN INDIA

On Indian roads, you might have noticed that all number plates are not the same color. Different types of number plates are being used for various types of vehicles.

A registration plate or a number plate is something that is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the respective state and has to be attached at the front as well as the rear end and that too with clear visibility. IND is the international code for India.  

Following are the eight types of number plates that are recognized in India:

1.     White number plate

2.     Yellow number plate

3.     Green number plate

4.     Red number plate

5.     Blue number plate

6.     Black number plate

7.     Number plate that has an upward pointing arrow

8.     Red number plate that has the emblem of India

NUMBER PLATES AND THE MEANING THAT THEY CARRY

1.     White Number Plates: White number plates with letters painted in black color are the most common type of number plate found in India. Cars that have this type of number plate are exclusively used for private purposes only. So, using these vehicles for carrying passengers or transporting goods is not allowed.

2.     Yellow Number Plates: Yellow plates also have the number painted in black color. A vehicle that has a yellow plate means that the vehicle has to be strictly used for commercial purposes only. The driver of such vehicles has to have a permit to drive them.

3.     Green Number Plates: A green-colored number plate means that the vehicle is an electric car. You will find these plates on electric buses that are being used commercially.

4.     Black Number Plates: These ones are found on a luxury hotel’s mode of transport. Although, these cars can be used for commercial purposes as well, for the roads and the driver does not require a permit to drive them.

5.     Red Number Plates: A red number plate stands for a brand-new vehicle that is yet to get its permanent plate issued by the RTO. It is a temporary plate. This plate comes with a validity of only one month. When it comes to the rules regarding the temporary registration of the vehicles, they vary from state to state. You might be surprised to know that there are some states that do not allow vehicles with temporary registration to be on the roads.

6.     Blue Number Plates: A blue number plate with white letters is issued to foreign diplomats. If you notice them carefully, you will find that they bear alphabets like DC (Diplomatic Corps), CC (Consular Corps), and UN (United Nations). These plates do not carry the state code, rather, they carry the country code of the diplomat.

7.     Number plate that has an upward pointing row: This unique style, you will on all military vehicles, if you notice carefully. The number on this plate is registered under the Defense Ministry of the country. The first, as well as the third upward pointing arrow, are called the broad arrow. You will find these upward-pointing arrows on the vehicles of the British Common Wealth. The two digits that follow the arrow indicate the year in which the military vehicle was procured. Next is the base code and then comes the serial number. The penultimate letter indicates the class of the vehicle.

8.     Red number plate that has the emblem of India: This is quite a special type of plate and has the emblem of India painted in golden color. 

DESIGNATED USERS OF THIS NUMBER PLATE

1.     White Number Plates: These are for the common citizens.

2.     Yellow Number Plates: Commercial drivers drive this vehicle that has a yellow number plate.

3.     Green Number Plates: Electric vehicle-people drive with these colored plates.

4.     Black Number Plates: Rental car drivers drive with colored plates that have digits painted in yellow color.

5.     Red Number Plates: The people with new vehicles carry this plate on their brand-new vehicles.

6.     Blue Number Plates: Foreign ambassadors or foreign delegates use this type of plate on their vehicles with alpha numerals on them.

7.     Number plate that has an upward pointing arrow: Military officials go out and about in vehicles with this type of number plate.

8.     Red number plate that has the emblem of India: The President of India, as well as the Governors, travel in vehicles that have the emblem of India on the license plate.

Now you know why the white-colored number plates are so common in our country. Hope to have informed you about the number plate system and VIP Number Plates of the country and you’re no longer unaware.