Learn about all types of car number plates in India including BH series, their colors, meanings, RTA rules, number plate sizes, EV plates, VIP numbers, penalties, and legal guidelines.
🔍 Introduction: Why Car Number Plates Matter More Than You Think
Every vehicle on Indian roads carries car number plates in India that do much more than display a registration number. They clearly indicate where the vehicle is registered, how it is used, and whether it complies with legal requirements.
Vehicle number plates are regulated by the Road Transport Authority (RTA) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Any deviation in color, font, size, or placement can result in fines, challans, or even vehicle seizure.
This complete guide explains all types of car number plates in India, including the BH (Bharat Series), EV-specific rules, official sizes, and penalties explained simply.
📜 Standard Car Number Plate Format in India
All regular vehicle registrations follow this standard format:
XX NN XX NNNN
Example: TS 09 AB 1234
- XX – State code (TS = Telangana)
- NN – RTO code
- XX – Alphabet series
- NNNN – Unique vehicle number
This uniform format of car number plates in India allows quick identification by traffic police and enforcement agencies.
🎨 Types of Car Number Plates in India (Color-Based)
⚪ White Number Plate – Private Vehicles
- Black letters on a white background
- Used by personal cars and bikes
- Commercial use is strictly prohibited
👉 Most privately owned vehicles fall under this category.
🟡 Yellow Number Plate – Commercial Vehicles
- Black letters on a yellow background
- Used by taxis, cabs, autos, goods carriers
- Indicates the vehicle is used for earning income
👉 Ola, Uber, and transport vehicles use yellow plates.
⚫ Black Number Plate – Private Vehicles with Commercial Permit
- White letters on a black background
- Used by luxury rentals and premium self-drive vehicles
- No driver badge required
- Valid only with RTA approval
🔵 Blue Number Plate – Diplomatic Vehicles
- White letters on a blue background
- Used by foreign embassies and diplomats
- Strictly restricted and not for public use
⚡ Green Number Plate – Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles use green-colored text to clearly identify eco-friendly vehicles.
✅ EV Number Plate Color Rules (Very Important)
| EV Usage Type | Background Color | Text Color |
| EV – Private | White | Green |
| EV – Commercial | Yellow | Green |
👉 Examples of EV commercial vehicles:
- Electric taxis
- Ola / Uber EVs
- Electric goods carriers
Using the wrong EV plate color on car number plates in India can lead to fines, challans, and even permit cancellation.
🇮🇳 BH Series Number Plate (Bharat Series) – Explained
The BH (Bharat Series) number plate, introduced in 2021, was designed for people who frequently relocate due to transferable jobs.
What Is a BH Number Plate?
It allows vehicles with car number plates in India to move across states without re-registration, saving both time and money.
BH Number Plate Format
BH YY AA NNNN
Example: BH 23 AA 1234
- BH – Bharat Series
- YY – Year of registration
- AA – Alphabet series
- NNNN – Unique number
Who Is Eligible for BH Series?
✔ Central & State Government employees
✔ Defence personnel
✔ PSU employees
✔ Private-sector employees working in companies with offices in 4 or more states/UTs
⚠️ Eligibility is strictly verified by the RTA.
BH Road Tax System
- Paid once every 2 years (or multiples of 2)
- Unlike normal vehicles where tax is paid for 15 years upfront
- Ideal for transferable professionals
📐 RTA Rules for Number Plate Size (Front & Rear)
🚗 For Cars (Private & Commercial)
| Plate Position | Approved Size |
| Front Plate | 500 mm × 120 mm |
| Rear Plate | 500 mm × 120 mm |
✔ Same size for front and rear
✔ Must be rectangular and reflective
❌ Smaller, oversized, or modified plates are illegal
🛵 For Two-Wheelers
| Plate Position | Approved Size |
| Front / Rear | 200 mm × 100 mm |
🔠 Font & Character Rules (Cars)
- Character height: 65 mm
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Space between characters: 10 mm
- Only standard RTA font is allowed
❌ Fancy fonts, italics, slanted letters, or compressed styles on car number plates in India are illegal and punishable.
🏛️ Government & Special Number Plates
| Plate Type | Usage |
| White with Red Letters | Government vehicles |
| AD Series | Indian Army |
| Police Plates | Law enforcement |
| UN Plates | United Nations vehicles |
| Red Plate | Temporary registration |
✨ Fancy / VIP Number Plates in India
Fancy numbers such as 0001, 1111, 7777, and 9999 on car number plates in India are legal only when officially allotted by the RTA through authorized auctions.
How to Get a Fancy Number:
- Apply via the Parivahan portal
- Participate in the RTA auction
- Pay the premium amount
- Receive official approval
🚫 Roadside “VIP plates” are illegal.
🚫 What Is Strictly Not Allowed?
❌ LED or glowing number plates
❌ Fancy fonts or stickers
❌ Plate covers hiding digits
❌ Wrong color plates
❌ Fake VIP or modified plates
💸 Penalties for Number Plate Violations
| Violation | Penalty |
| No number plate | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Wrong size or color | ₹1,000+ |
| Obstructed plate | On-spot challan |
| Fake or modified plate | Vehicle seizure |
(Fines may vary by state)
Customer Testimonials
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What are car number plates in India and why are they important?
Car number plates in India are legally mandated identification plates issued by the RTA that display a vehicle’s registration details. They help authorities identify where a vehicle is registered, determine its usage type (private, commercial, EV, or BH series), and ensure compliance with traffic laws. Using the correct number plate format, color, and size is essential to avoid fines, challans, and permit-related issues.
2.What is the BH number plate in India?
BH stands for Bharat Series, allowing vehicles to move across states without re-registration.
3.Is BH number plate available for everyone?
No, only eligible job categories can apply.
4.Can I convert my old number plate to BH?
Yes, subject to eligibility and RTA approval.
5.Is the front and rear number plate size same for cars?
Yes, both must be 500 mm × 120 mm.
6.What color plate does an EV taxi use?
Yellow background with green letters.
7.Are fancy number plates legal?
Yes, only if officially issued by RTA.
8.Are LED number plates allowed?
No, they are illegal.
9.Is BH road tax cheaper?
Not cheaper, but more flexible due to 2-year payment cycles.
10.Can number plates be customized?
Only RTA-approved customization is allowed.
11.What happens if I violate number plate rules?
You may face fines, challans, or vehicle seizure.
🚗 Drive Legally & Comfortably with YoDrives
At YoDrives, safety and legal compliance come first.
All YoDrives vehicles strictly follow:
✔ RTA-approved number plates
✔ Correct size and color (including EV & BH)
✔ Valid registration, insurance & documentation
Whether it’s a city ride, long road trip, or inter-state travel, YoDrives ensures a stress-free and fully legal driving experience.
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🚘 Drive Smart. Drive Legal. Drive YoDrives.
✅Conclusion
Understanding car number plates in India is essential for every vehicle owner. From plate colors and sizes to EV-specific rules and the BH series, each regulation plays a key role in road safety and legal compliance. Following RTA guidelines not only helps you avoid fines and permit issues but also ensures smooth travel across cities and states. Staying informed and using the correct number plate format keeps your vehicle legal, identifiable, and hassle-free on Indian roads.
