India boasts a remarkable diversity not only in culture and traditions but also in the types of vehicle registration plates used across the country. From the common white, yellow, red, and green plates to the less frequently seen blue, black, and red plates with specific emblems, each carries its own significance.
White number plates are predominantly used by non-commercial private vehicles, with each state or union territory having its unique alphanumeric format that denotes the state code, district code, and vehicle registration number.
On the other hand, yellow plates are reserved for commercial vehicles like taxis, buses, and trucks, displaying black text alongside the state and district codes and the vehicle’s registration number.
Green plates are specifically designated for electric vehicles, acknowledging the increasing presence of eco-friendly transportation on Indian roads. These plates feature a green background with white text following a similar alphanumeric format as their white and yellow counterparts.
Meanwhile, red plates signify temporary registration for vehicles undergoing testing, typically found on test-drive vehicles at automobile dealerships. These plates are issued to vehicles that are yet to be formally registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) but are allowed to operate on public roads for testing purposes.
Vehicles carrying blue plates are notably those owned by foreign diplomats, embassies, or consulates, with these unique plates issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They often display white letters and numbers, sometimes accompanied by the emblem or logo of the diplomat’s country, granting certain exemptions such as tax waivers and toll-free passage.
Black number plates are increasingly visible in urban areas, primarily indicating commercial vehicles registered for self-driven rentals, maintaining a distinct appearance for easy identification.
Additionally, red plates bearing the emblem of India are exclusively reserved for vehicles operated by the central or state governments, transporting high-ranking officials and dignitaries. These plates showcase the ‘Lion Capital of Ashoka,’ India’s national emblem.
Furthermore, vehicles displaying a number plate with an upward-pointing arrow indicate association with the armed forces, including the army, air force, or navy. Issued by the Ministry of Defense, these plates are solely for military use, entailing specific privileges and exemptions from certain traffic regulations, enabling efficient movement during emergency situations.
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