According to the RTO rules, every motor vehicle in India should have a number plate on the front and back of the vehicle. The number plate is also called as Vehicle Registration Plate. The numbers for each and every vehicle will be issued by district-level Regional Transport Office (RTO).

If you clearly observe, there are different types of number plates with different colours on vehicles depending upon the field or department that vehicle runs. As of now, there are 6 types of number plates which are used in India.

Have a look at them here:

1. White Number Plate:

Most of the vehicles have this number plate. All the private vehicles are given white number plate with black text on it. All the common people’s vehicles come under this category.

2. Yellow Number Plate:

Commercial vehicles used for purposes like autos, taxi and trucks will be given yellow number plate with black text on it.

3. Number Plate with Upward Arrow:

Vehicles with number plate having upward arrow are said to be Military vehicles. These vehicles have a unique numbering system with white text on the black number plate. These vehicles are registered under Ministry of Defence in New Delhi. The 1st / 3rd character will be an upward pointing arrow known as Broad arrow.

4. Black Plate with Yellow Text:

These vehicles are commercial vehicles that are available for rent purpose for self-drive. Zoom car & Just ride start-ups come under this category.

5. Blue Number Plate:

These vehicles are said to be foreign mission vehicles. They are given blue number plates with white text on it. The numbering system in this category will have special codes like UN – United Nations, CC – Consular Corps or CD – Diplomatic Corps.

6. Red Number Plate:

Vehicles having red number plate are said to be Test Vehicles. These vehicles will have a red number plate with white text on it. Vehicle manufacturers use red number plates while testing and promotion of their new vehicles.