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Long story short: In India, license plates, commonly called bike number plates or registration plates, are a fundamental component of every motorcycle. They serve many crucial functions, such as vehicle identification, tracking, and enforcing traffic regulations. The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 states that all vehicles must possess a number plate. Here, we discuss different type of number plates in india, including red number plate, yellow number plate, and white number plate and their usage.
What is a number plate?
A number plate, also known as a license or registration plate, is a legal identification plate present on the front and rear of a motorcycle or scooter.
Different type of bike number plates in India
In India, different type of number plates serve different purposes, including commercial vehicle number plates, private vehicle number plates like red number plate, white number plate, and yellow number plate, and government vehicle number plates. Specialised plates like diplomatic number plates and electric vehicle registration number plates are among the other types.
1. Standard Number Plates
White Number Plate in india
In India, white number plate is one of the type of number plates for private motorcycles. They feature black alphanumeric characters on a white background solely for personal use. This distinctive colour scheme of white number plate helps quickly identify vehicles used for business purposes, distinguishing them from private vehicles that often have yellow or other coloured plates. The white number plate serves as a means of identification. It plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with transport regulations, facilitating easier monitoring by authorities, and enhancing public safety on the roads in India.
Yellow Number Plate in india
In India, the yellow number plate is one of the common type of number plates used for commercial motorcycles, such as those used for deliveries or taxis. The plates have black alphanumeric characters on a yellow background and require the driver to have a commercial driving permit.
Black Number Plates
These types of number plates are for self-driven rental motorcycles in India. They feature yellow alphanumeric characters on a black background and do not require the driver to have a commercial driving permit.
Green Number Plates
In india,These type of number plates are designated for electric motorcycles. Private electric motorcycles have white alphanumeric characters on a green background. In contrast, commercial electric motorcycles have yellow alphanumeric characters on a green background.
Red Number Plate in india
The red number plate is a temporary registration plate for brand-new motorcycles in India. It is valid for one month and features white alphanumeric characters on a red background. In India, the red number plate not only signifies the vehicle’s official use but also grants certain privileges, such as exemptions from regular traffic rules in emergencies.
Blue Number Plates
These number plates are for motorcycles used by foreign diplomats, consulates, and international organisations. They feature white alphanumeric characters on a blue background.
2. HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate) Bike Number Plates
High-security Registration Plates (HSRP) are a specialised category of number plates introduced in India with the primary objective of bolstering vehicle security. They also help curb counterfeiting and unauthorised replication of registration plates. HSRP plates are now compulsory for all new vehicles in India. In certain states, they are mandatory for existing vehicles as part of a government-led initiative to standardise and enhance vehicle identification security.
Security features of the HSRP plate
HSRP plates incorporate several security features to prevent counterfeiting, including:
- A hot-stamped hologram with the words “INDIA” and “CHAKRA” on it.
- Laser-etched letters and numbers for non-altering.
- Tamper-resistant snap locks for attaching the plates to the vehicle.
- Use of retro-reflective material for improved visibility at night.
Format of the HSRP plate
State Code: The initial component of the High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) comprises a two-letter state code that denotes the respective state or union territory. For instance, “DL” represents Delhi, “MH” stands for Maharashtra, and “KA” signifies Karnataka.
Unique Identification Number (UIN): After the state code, a unique identification number (UIN) is there for each HSRP, which is specific to the vehicle and is distinctive.
Security Hologram: The HSRP plate is typically adorned with a chromium-based hot-stamped hologram on the left-hand side (top corner) of the plate, which is one of the security features aimed at preventing counterfeiting.
Ashoka Chakra Symbol: The Ashoka Chakra symbol, inspired by the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, is frequently on the HSRP plate. It is a circular symbol with 24 spokes and is a prominent feature of the Indian national flag.
IND Font: The letters and numbers on HSRP plates are in the Indian Number Plate (IND) typeface, which is a standard font for number plates in India.
Retro-Reflective Material: HSRP plates contain retro-reflective material, which enhances visibility at night when light falls on the plate. This feature is crucial for road safety.
Snap Lock: HSRP plates have a unique snap lock mechanism, making it arduous to remove or replace the plate without causing damage.
3. Bharat Series Number Plates (BH Series)
The Bharat Series (BH) number plates simplify vehicle registration for individuals with transferable jobs. These plates are valid nationwide, eliminating the need for re-registration when moving between states.
Key Features of BH Series Plates
- Nationwide Validity: The BH number plate is valid across all states and union territories in India, removing the need for re-registration when relocating.
- Simplified Registration Process: The BH series streamlines the vehicle registration process, saving time and effort for vehicle owners.
- Standardised Format: The registration number format includes the year of registration (YY), followed by ‘BH’, a 4-digit number, and two alphabets indicating the vehicle category.
- Road Tax: Road tax for BH series vehicles is valid for 14 years and can be paid online. The tax is charged for two years or multiples thereof.
- Improved Identification: The BH series number plate aids in the identification of vehicle owners in case of theft or accidents.
FAQ related to bike number plates
What are the prohibited modifications in number plates?
Bike number plates must not have any graphics or explanatory text. Unauthorised modifications, such as changes in fonts or colours, are prohibited and can result in fines ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.
How to apply for an HSRP Plate?
Currently, we can get an HSRP plate online via https://bookmyhsrp.com in some selected states in India. The selected states are Andaman And Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Daman & and Diu, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Individuals who live in other states must apply for an HSRP by visiting the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Is the HSRP plate mandatory on bikes?
All new motorcycles now come with HSRP number plates as standard when bought from the showroom, and dealers are responsible for them. Vehicle manufacturers fix plates that cannot be removed or reused on the front and back of the vehicle before it is delivered to the dealers. So, HSRP is mandatory for new bikes, but it is not compulsory for older motorcycles.
Can I change the bike number plate?
No, HSRP bike number plates cannot be changed. If they are damaged, they must be replaced by either vehicle dealers or authorised authorities like the local RTO. If they are non-HSRP number plates, they must be changed to HSRP plates on your motorcycle. But this is not mandatory.
Can I change the bike registration number?
No, once assigned for a bike, the registration number is permanent. But if you are moving to a different state or union territory, you can apply for a new registration number. This typically involves surrendering old number plates and using new ones through the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your new location.
Can we ride a bike without a number plate?
No, As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is obligatory for all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, to possess a number plate both at the front and the rear of the bike in India.
Can we use a new bike without a number plate?
No, all the new bikes come from showrooms or dealers with HSRP plates pre-installed, and it is illegal to remove and ride the motorcycle on the roads.
Can you drive a new bike without a number plate?
No, all the new bikes come from showrooms or dealers with HSRP plates pre-installed. Removing the number plate and riding a motorcycle on the roads is illegal.
Can we track bike location by number plate?
No, we cannot track the live location of the motorcycle. We can still get the bike and vehicle owner details by visiting the official VAHAN website. VAHAN database includes information from RTOs and DTOs. Therefore, you can search for the details from any state or Union Territories (UT).
How long does it take to get a number plate for a new bike?
No separate time is there to get the number plate; as of now, the HSRP plate comes with your new motorcycle in your showroom. Please note that after the initial registration paperwork for your bike is complete, the number plate is available on your bike.
When will I get the number plate on the bike after registration?
The HSRP plate comes pre-fitted with your new motorcycle in your showroom. Please note that after the initial registration paperwork for your bike is complete, the number plate is available on your bike.
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Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have discussed number plates white number plate,yellow number plate,etc and rules, HSRP plates, etc., in-depth, and common doubts about number plates. If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. You can also share your doubts or opinions in the comments section below. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
