Every motorised vehicle has its own unique number for easy identification, but you may have noticed that the plate on which the numbers are written on the front and back is not all of the same colour for all the vehicles on the road. This is not merely an aesthetic choice, but rather, is done in accordance with the country’s transportation regulation system. Here are all the different colours that are used for number plates (also known as vehicle registration plates) in India, and their meaning.
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White number plate
The most common number plate in the country is the white-coloured ones. It signifies that a vehicle is privately owned and used for non-commercial purposes. While the exact format of the white registration plate may vary from region to region, the general format is an alphanumeric code that defines the state code, the district code and the vehicle's registration number.
Yellow number plate
The second most common colour for the number plates is yellow, which is used by commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses, and trucks. The yellow plates with black text line also generally comprise the state code, the district code and the vehicle's designated registration number.
Green number plate
One of the more recent variants, the green number plates signify that the vehicles run on electric batteries. The plates have white text on the green backdrop and contain the alphanumeric code in the same general format.
Red number plate
{{/usCountry}}One of the more recent variants, the green number plates signify that the vehicles run on electric batteries. The plates have white text on the green backdrop and contain the alphanumeric code in the same general format.
Red number plate
{{/usCountry}}Red number plates are rarer to spot. It signifies that the vehicle has a temporary registration. Test drive vehicles in automobile dealerships usually have red number plates. The number is yet to be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO), but can be used on public roads for various reasons like transit, demonstration or testing.
Blue number plate
Cars belonging to foreign diplomats, embassies or consulates have a blue number plate. These are provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and usually carry the alphanumeric code in white. They may also carry the logo or emblem of the diplomat or embassy's country, and the vehicles are exempt from paying local taxes, tolls or other fees.
Black number plate
Black number plates are rare, but they denote commercial vehicles registered as self-driven rental cars. The use of this coloured plate is strictly reserved for this category.
Red number plate with the emblem of India
Red number plates with the national emblem are typically used for vehicles that are owned and operated by the central government or state governments. The vehicles are meant for the transportation of high-ranking government officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
Number plate with upward-pointing arrow
A number plate with an upward-pointing arrow denotes that the vehicle belongs to the armed forces of India, such as the army, air force or navy. These registration plates are issued by the Ministry of Defence and are strictly reserved for use by the members of the armed forces, subject to their own set of rules and regulations.