Types of Number Plates in India: Colours, Codes Explained

We’ve covered number plates on this blog previously, but it’s time to go a bit further.

After all, number plates aren’t just identifiers for vehicles—they represent so much more. They represent meaning and status, and can often be identifiers of authority. In fact, every name plate colour in India is trying to tell you a story—whether it’s a subtle white-on-black, a self-driving car (soon), or bolder red, white, and green military police vehicles. They all are representative of something…or someone.

Confusing? Don’t worry. We’ll sort it out in this blog for you.

Whether you’re curious about that red number plate, confused by AR number plate, or wondering “KA number plate, which state?” (seriously, we really hope you’re not one of these people); this guide has you covered.

We’ll break down:

• Different types of number plates in India

• What colour coding means for private, rental, electric, and diplomatic vehicles

• State prefix codes for every vehicle

• FAQs like what does a red number plate mean? and are black number plates legal?

Let’s decode India’s number plate system—colour by colour, state by state. Time to ignite your high-IQ engines!

Understanding the colour coding of number plates is the first step in identifying who owns what, and what kind of vehicle they’re driving. It goes far further than just understanding “what does a blue number plate in India mean?”

Here’s a simplified colour code chart used across India:

Plate Type	Text colour	Background colour	Meaning
Private Vehicles	Black	White	Standard private use
Commercial Vehicles	Black	Yellow	Goods, taxi, or transport use
Rental Vehicles	Yellow	Black	Self-drive rentals (e.g., Zoomcar)
Electric Private	White	Green	Battery EVs for personal use
Electric Commercial	Black	Green	EV taxis, goods carriers, rickshaws
Diplomatic Corps	White	Blue	Foreign diplomats & UN missions
Military Vehicles	White	Black	Indian Armed Forces
Military Police	Red	White	MP battalions & convoy vehicles
Temporary Plates	Black	Red	Temp registration (format: TMMYY…)
Trade/Dealer Plates	White	Red	Manufacturer test plates (TC)

Note: CNG cars still follow standard colour rules (white/black or yellow/black), but state-specific stickers or labels often identify fuel type.

Each number plate starts with a two-letter code indicating the state or union territory of registration. Let’s break down some popular and lesser-known ones so that you don’t have to Google search “all state number plate code” anymore.

Prefix	Jurisdiction	Example Plate
AN	Andaman & Nicobar	AN 01 Z 0123
AR	Arunachal Pradesh	AR 02 A 1234
AS	Assam	AS 01 B 1234
CH	Chandigarh	CH 01 C 1234
DN	Dadra & Nagar Haveli	DN 04 D 1234
KA	Karnataka	KA 05 E 1234
TR	Tripura (formerly TO)	TR 01 A 1234
OR	Odisha	OR 01 A 1234
NL	Nagaland	NL 07 A 1234
CC	Consulate Corps	CC 02 B 1234

Special case: The TO number plate was previously used for Tripura and has now been updated to TR. Similarly, CC plates signify consular (not a state), and follow international diplomatic conventions.

India’s vehicle ecosystem also includes non-standard plates used by the military, diplomats, and dealers.

Armed Forces & Military Police

• White on black: Indian Army vehicles (often with broad arrow symbol)

• Red on white: Military Police (distinctive and rare)
  

Diplomatic & Consular Plates

• White on blue: Diplomats (e.g., embassies, UN agencies)

• Black on yellow: Consular Corps vehicles (CC prefix)
  

These plates typically include numeric codes like 99, 100, or 500+, indicating specific embassies.

Trade & Temporary Registrations

• TC Plates (white on red): Issued to dealers/manufacturers for test rides and delivery

• T-format Plates (black on red): Temporary registration for new vehicles; format like T0525DL (May 2025, Delhi)
  

Historic colour Schemes

Before 2002, the colours were reversed:

• Commercial: Black on white

• Private: White on black

This changed with the MV Act update , which made rules for it to align with international standards.

Vehicles Without Plates

Driving without a number plate is illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act, punishable with:

• Fine up to ₹10,000

• In some cases: vehicle seizure or jail time

So if you’re wondering “whose car has no number plate in India?”, it’s either under special permission or is operating illegally.

AR Plates

• The AR number plate signifies Arunachal Pradesh, not “All-Region” as some believe.

• However, in some multi-terrain defense vehicles, “AR” can indicate all-weather registration under military systems.

So if you spot an AR plate on a non-civilian vehicle, it’s likely military-related.

Black number plates in India, as well as Yellow, aka “Gold” number plates, drive a lot of conversation and discussion. Want to clear your doubts? Just read it below.

Rental Black Plates

• Yellow text on black background: Legal for rental vehicles and self-drive hire cars

• Common with apps like Zoomcar, Revv, and tourism vehicles

If a car has a black number plate with white numbers, it’s illegal for private use. Only yellow-on-black is permitted for rentals.

Black & Gold Plates

• Some high-end vehicles use black and gold custom plates for aesthetic appeal

• These are not officially recognized and can attract fines if not compliant

Always ensure plate colours match their legal vehicle category—no exceptions.

1. What does a green number plate mean?

1. It means the vehicle is electric (zero tailpipe emissions).

• White text: private EV

• Black text: commercial EV
  

2. Why are some number plates red?

Here are some 

• White text on red: Trade Certificate (test ride/demo)

• Black text on red: Temporary registration
  

3. What does a blue plate represent?

1. High status. It is used by foreign diplomats, consulates, and UN missions in India.

4. Are black number plates legal?

1. Only when the text is yellow and the vehicle is used for rental purposes.
   Black background with white text is illegal for private vehicles.

Conclusion: Decode the Road Like a Pro

From electric scooters with green plates to diplomatic limousines with blue tags, India’s number plates reveal more than you think.

Next time you’re on the road, pay attention to what the plates are saying. You’ll know who owns it, where it’s from, and what kind of journey it’s meant for.

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