Do you know the Vehicle Number Plate Rules, Codes and Categories in India

India's vehicle number plates are more than just identifiers—they reveal a lot about the vehicle's purpose, ownership, and legality. Here's a clear breakdown of the rules, codes, and categories you should know:

Types of Number Plates & Their Meaning
Plate Color: White, Text Color: Black
- Private vehicles (non-commercial)

Plate Color: Yellow, Text Color: Black
- Commercial vehicles (taxis, trucks, buses)

Plate Color: Green, Text Color: White/Yellow
- Electric vehicles (private/commercial)

Plate Color: Black, Text Color: Yellow
- Rental/self-drive vehicles

Plate Color: Blue, Text Color: White
- Foreign diplomats (with country code)

Plate Color: Red, Text Color: White
- Temporary registration (valid for 30 days)

Plate Color: Red with Emblem, Text Color: Green
- Government vehicles

Plate Color: Military Format, Text Color: Varies
- Defence vehicles (with upward arrow and year of manufacture)

Number Plate Format Explained
- State Code: First two letters (e.g., MH for Tamil Nadu)
- District Code: Next two digits (e.g., 01 for Chennai)
- Unique Number: Four digits (e.g., 1234)
- Optional Letters: Used when number combinations are exhausted
- IND Symbol & Hologram: Found on High Security Registration Plates (HSRP)

Example: `MH 01 AB 1234`

High Security Registration Plates (HSRP)
- Mandatory for all vehicles registered after April 1, 2019
- Made of aluminium with a chromium hologram and IND mark
- Helps prevent theft and tampering
- Older vehicles must upgrade to HSRP by April 30, 2025, or face fines

Temporary vs Permanent Registration
- Temporary (TR): Red plate, valid for 30 days
- Permanent: Issued after submitting documents like PUC, roadworthiness certificate, and proof of address
- Valid for 20 years for private vehicles

Font & Display Rules
- Must be clearly legible from a distance
- No calligraphy or stylized fonts
- No regional language or decorative elements
- Violations can lead to penalties

Special Codes for Vehicle Types (in some states)
Code - Vehicle Type
C - Cars & SUVs
S - Two-wheelers
E - Electric vehicles
P - Passenger buses
R - Auto rickshaws
T - Tourist vehicles
V - Vans & pickups
Y - Vehicles for hire