Types of Number Plates in India in 2024
| Number Plate | Color/Design | Purpose/Meaning |
|---|
| White | Black text on white background | Personal/private vehicles. Not for commercial use. |
| Yellow | Black text on yellow background | Commercial vehicles like taxis or trucks. |
| Black | Yellow text on black background | Rental/self-driven vehicles without a commercial driver. |
| Green | White text on green background | Electric vehicles (private use). |
| Red | White text on red background | Temporary registration plates for new vehicles. |
| Blue | White text on blue background | Vehicles used by foreign diplomats and embassies. |
| Upward-Pointing Arrow | Military insignia and arrow | Military vehicles under the Ministry of Defence. |
| Red with India’s Emblem | Red background with India’s Emblem | Official vehicles for high dignitaries like the President or Governors. |
What is a Number Plate?
A number plate is an official identifier assigned to every registered vehicle, displaying a unique alphanumeric code. It helps identify the vehicle's owner, type, and purpose, ensuring legal compliance with road and traffic regulations.
White Number Plate
A white number plate with black text is used for private, non-commercial vehicles in India. These vehicles are strictly for personal use and cannot be utilized for any commercial activities like transportation services.
Yellow Number Plate
A yellow number plate with black text is assigned to commercial vehicles such as taxis, trucks, and buses. These vehicles are authorized for transportation services and are used for business purposes.
Black Number Plate
A black number plate with yellow text is used for self-drive rental vehicles. These vehicles are available for hire without a commercial driver and are commonly used for tourism and personal travel.
Green Number Plate
A green number plate is used for electric vehicles in India. It features white text for private EVs and yellow text for commercial EVs, promoting eco-friendly transportation.
Red Number Plate
A red number plate with white text is issued for vehicles with temporary registration. It is used until the permanent registration number is assigned by the RTO.
Blue Number Plate
A blue number plate with white text is used for vehicles owned by foreign diplomats and embassies in India. It signifies the vehicle's diplomatic status and provides certain privileges.
Number Plate with an Upward-Pointing Arrow
A number plate featuring an upward-pointing arrow is used for military vehicles. This design distinguishes vehicles under the Ministry of Defence and grants them specific privileges and exemptions.
Red Number Plate with India’s Emblem
A red number plate featuring India's emblem is used for official vehicles. These are typically assigned to high-ranking government officials, including the President, Vice President, and Governors, indicating their official status.
