The 0000 number plate attracts attention due to its distinctive appearance and perceived prestige among vehicle owners. However, RTO regulations strictly govern number plate allocations to ensure unique vehicle identification across India.
What Is a 0000 Number Plate?
A 0000 number plate displays four consecutive zeros following the registration code, creating a uniform numeric sequence. Vehicle owners seek such plates for exclusivity, often associating them with VIP status. The format appears as DL01-AB-0000 or MH12-CD-0000, where letters denote RTO and owner details.
RTO systems reserve sequential numbers for standard allocations, treating zero-heavy combinations differently through auctions. The 0000 number plate price reflects bidding competition rather than fixed fees.
How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate?
Legal fancy number applications follow structured RTO processes:
Submit Form 20 and Form 21 at the local RTO during vehicle registration.
Select desired numbers from Category 1 (0001, 0077) or Category 2 (0009, 1111).
Pay the base auction fee plus the green tax, where applicable.
Attend the e-auction conducted through the Ministry of Road Transport portal.
0000 plates never appear in official auctions due to regulatory prohibition. Processing completes within 15-30 days post-clearance.
What is the Price of a 0000 Number Plate?
The 0000 number price remains undefined legally since RTOs never allocate this combination. Unofficial sources circulate figures from ₹5-25 lakh based on hearsay auctions, lacking verifiable documentation.
| Category | Examples | Base Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| Super Elite | 0001, 0077 | ₹5,00,000+ |
| Elite | 1111, 7777 | ₹1,00,000+ |
| Regular Fancy | 1234, 9999 | ₹10,000–50,000 |
0000 Number Plate Cost in Different Indian States
State RTOs vary auction thresholds:
Delhi
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Telangana
Kerala
₹10 lakh+ for super elite numbers.
Mumbai RTO records ₹52 lakh high for DL 0001.
Bengaluru auctions exceed ₹20 lakh frequently.
Hyderabad Category 1 starts at ₹3 lakh.
Kochi VIP plates fetch ₹8-12 lakh.
0000 number plate price. Discussions prove hypothetical across jurisdictions.
RTO Rules: Why the 0000 Plate Is Illegal?
0000 plates violate the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provisions requiring unique identification:
Registration format mandates a permanent alphanumeric distinction.
Zero sequences hinder automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.
High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) cannot embed all-zero formats.
Duplicate usage risks traffic violation tracking failures.
Legal consequences classify 0000 plates as unregistered vehicles.
Check Fancy Number Availability
Parivahan portal enables pre-check:
Visit the vahan parivahan portal
Select "Fancy Number" service under Vehicle Related Services.
Enter RTO code, vehicle class, and desired sequence.
View auction status and reserve price.
0000 combinations display "Unavailable" permanently.
Key Tips Before Applying for a VIP Number Plate
Applicants follow these guidelines:
Verify e-auction dates through state transport websites.
Set budget limits, avoiding overbidding frenzy.
Maintain RC, insurance, and pollution certificates current.
Prefer Category 2 number, balancing prestige and cost.
Complete HSRP installation within 30 days of allocation.
What is the Penalty for Using a 0000 Number Plate?
Illegal 0000 number plate usage attracts:
First offence
Repeat violation
Insurance denial
Criminal charges
₹5,000 fine under Section 192 MV Act.
Vehicle impoundment plus ₹10,000 penalty.
Car insurance policy excludes coverage for unregistered plates.
Persistent misuse treated as forgery.
Traffic police issue 10,000+ such challans annually across metros.
| Violation | Fine Amount | Additional Action |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal Plate | ₹5,000 | Warning |
| Repeat Offence | ₹10,000 | Impoundment |
| No Registration | Court summons | License suspension |
Legal VIP Number Alternatives
Opt for authorised fancy numbers:
0001, 0009: Super elite status symbols.
0077, 9999: Choice for enthusiasts.
1234, 4321: Sequential appeal at lower costs.
Conclusion
The 0000 number plate is not legally valid in India and is permanently excluded from RTO auctions due to identification and ANPR system rules. Any claimed price for this plate is purely speculative and not officially recognised. Using an illegal 0000 plate can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, insurance denial, and legal consequences. For a VIP number, it is safer to opt for authorised fancy numbers like 0001, 0009, or 0077 through official RTO auctions.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Fancy number plate rules, prices, and availability vary by state and are subject to change under RTO and Motor Vehicles Act regulations. The use of 0000 number plates is illegal in India and not endorsed. Readers should verify details on the official Parivahan or State RTO websites. The website is not liable for penalties, legal action, or insurance claim rejections arising from misuse or non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on 0000 Number Plate
Is a 0000 number plate valid in India?
No, 0000 number plates hold no legal validity under RTO regulations as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Authorities classify vehicles with such plates as unregistered, subjecting them to fines, impoundment, and insurance claim denials.
Is the 0009 number plate VIP?
Yes, 0009 qualifies as Category 1 VIP available exclusively through state RTO e-auctions. Bidding starts at ₹1-5 lakh, depending on location, reflecting its elite status alongside 0001-0008. Successful bidders complete HSRP installation within 30 days.
Can 0000 plates appear in future auctions?
No, RTO guidelines permanently exclude 0000 sequences from all auctions to preserve vehicle tracking integrity and ANPR system compatibility. Ministry rules mandate unique identification numbers statewide. Legal VIP alternatives fill demand effectively.