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 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.
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 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.
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.
FAQ about Number Plate Colors in India
What does a white number plate mean in India?
A white number plate with black letters is used for private vehicles. These vehicles are strictly for personal use and cannot be used for commercial transport or business purposes.
What is the purpose of a yellow number plate?
A yellow plate with black text is for commercial vehicles such as taxis, trucks, and buses. These vehicles are legally allowed to carry passengers or goods for hire.
What does a black number plate signify?
A black number plate with yellow letters is assigned to self-drive rental cars. It means the vehicle is available for rent, but the driver does not need a commercial driving license to operate it.
Why do some vehicles have a green number plate?
Green number plates with white text are reserved for electric vehicles (EVs). They are used to encourage eco-friendly transport and apply to both private and commercial EVs.
What does a red number plate mean?
Red number plates with white letters indicate temporary registration. New vehicles use this plate until a permanent registration number is issued by the RTO.
Who uses blue number plates in India?
Blue plates with white text are used by vehicles belonging to foreign diplomats, consulates, and embassies. These plates often display the country code.
Why do military vehicles have unique number plates?
Military vehicles display an upward-pointing arrow along with alphanumeric codes. This indicates the vehicle belongs to the Indian Armed Forces and is operated under the Ministry of Defence.
What does a red number plate with the national emblem mean?
A solid red plate featuring the Indian Emblem (Ashoka Pillar) is reserved for the President of India, Governors, and other high constitutional authorities. These are official vehicles of the highest dignitaries.
