Number plates in India are more than registration marks — their colours carry specific meanings about who owns the vehicle and how it is used. Knowing them helps you read the road and understand the rules.
This guide explains every common type of number plate, from private and commercial to the newer Bharat series and special categories.
White and Yellow Plates
White plates with black text are used for private, non-commercial vehicles. Yellow plates with black text indicate commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses and goods carriers. Both display the state code, the RTO series and the unique registration number, usually in the standard high-security registration plate format.
Green and Electric Vehicle Plates
Green number plates are used for electric and some other eco-friendly vehicles, helping authorities and the public identify them easily. Earlier battery-operated vehicles had white plates with green text; the format has since moved toward full green plates. EV owners often get benefits such as reduced registration fees.
Red, Blue and Special Plates
Red plates with white text are used for temporary registrations, for example when a vehicle is unregistered or being driven to a registration location. Blue plates with white text are used for diplomatic vehicles and certain official categories, often with codes identifying the mission or organisation.
Bharat Series and Other Formats
- BH (Bharat) series plates for eligible vehicles, portable across states
- Defence and military plates with special numbering
- Trade or dealer plates used for test drives and transport
- Temporary plates valid for a short, defined period
- Special codes reserved for designated dignitaries
Frequently Asked Questions
A green number plate generally indicates an electric or eco-friendly vehicle. It lets authorities and other road users identify it easily and is linked to benefits such as registration concessions. The exact format has evolved, and rules can vary slightly by state.
The Bharat series, or BH series, is a registration option for eligible employees of certain organisations that move frequently between states. It offers portability, so you do not have to re-register the car when you relocate. Eligibility and rules are defined by the government.
Yes. Vehicles must display high-security registration plates in the prescribed format. Fancy fonts, altered spacing, tinted covers or unofficial designs can attract penalties and may be treated as a violation. Always use the plates supplied through the official system.
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