Why Many Types of Number Plates in India

Introduction: Why Are There Different Number Plate Colors in India?

If you observe vehicles on Indian roads carefully, you will notice that number plates come in different colors like white, yellow, green, black, blue, and red. These colors are not random. Each number plate color in India has a specific meaning and legal purpose defined by the Motor Vehicles Act.

The color of a vehicle’s number plate tells us whether the vehicle is private, commercial, electric, government-owned, diplomatic, or used for temporary purposes. Understanding these number plates helps in identifying the type of vehicle, its usage, and the rules it follows.

In this blog, we will explain all types of number plates used in India, their purpose, and who is allowed to use them.

White Number Plate – Private Vehicles

White number plates are the most common number plates seen on Indian roads. These plates have black letters and numbers on a white background.

Purpose of White Number Plate

White number plates are issued to private vehicles that are used for personal purposes only. These vehicles are not allowed to be used for commercial activities or earning money.

Who Uses White Number Plates?

• Private cars
• Personal motorcycles and scooters
• Family-owned vehicles

Important Rules

Vehicles with white number plates cannot be used for taxi services, goods transport, or passenger carrying for profit. Doing so can result in heavy fines.

Yellow Number Plate – Commercial Vehicles

Yellow number plates have black text on a yellow background and are used for commercial vehicles.

Purpose of Yellow Number Plate

These vehicles are legally allowed to earn money by transporting passengers or goods.

Who Uses Yellow Number Plates?

• Taxis and cab services
• Auto-rickshaws
• Buses
• Trucks and goods carriers

Key Difference from White Plate

Commercial vehicles follow stricter rules related to permits, driver licensing, and insurance compared to private vehicles.

Green Number Plate – Electric Vehicles (EV)

Green number plates are specially introduced for electric vehicles in India. These plates usually have green background with white or yellow text.

Purpose of Green Number Plate

The green number plate helps authorities and the public easily identify electric vehicles and promote eco-friendly transportation.

Types of Green Number Plates

• White text on green background – Private electric vehicles
• Yellow text on green background – Commercial electric vehicles

Benefits for Green Plate Owners

• Road tax benefits in some states
• Lower registration charges
• Special EV parking and incentives

Black Number Plate – Self-Drive Rental Vehicles

Black number plates have yellow text on a black background and are used for self-drive rental vehicles.

Purpose of Black Number Plate

These vehicles are commercially registered but can be driven by private individuals without a commercial driving license.

Who Uses Black Number Plates?

• Self-drive car rental services
• Luxury rental vehicles

Why Black Plate Is Special

Unlike yellow plates, black plate vehicles do not require the driver to have a commercial license.

Blue Number Plate – Diplomatic Vehicles

Blue number plates are used for vehicles belonging to foreign diplomats and international organizations.

Purpose of Blue Number Plate

These plates indicate diplomatic immunity and special status.

Who Uses Blue Number Plates?

• Embassies
• Consulates
• International organizations

Special Codes

Blue plates often include codes like CC (Consular Corps) or CD (Corps Diplomatique).

Red Number Plate – Temporary Registration

Red number plates have white text on a red background and are issued temporarily.

Purpose of Red Number Plate

These plates are given to brand-new vehicles before permanent registration.

Validity

Temporary registration is usually valid for up to one month.

Red Number Plate with Emblem – President & Governor Vehicles

Red number plates with a national emblem are used by the highest constitutional authorities of India.

Who Uses Red + Emblem Plates?

• President of India
• Vice President
• State Governors

Special Privileges

These vehicles follow special security protocols and traffic rules.

Summary Table: Number Plate Colors & Purpose

Final Thoughts

Different number plate colors in India are designed to maintain transparency, safety, and legal clarity on roads. Understanding these number plates not only increases awareness but also helps you follow traffic rules correctly.

If you are planning to buy a vehicle, knowing which number plate applies to you is just as important as choosing the right car or bike.