If you believed that your car's number plate only serves to display the vehicle registration number, you are mistaken! Additionally, it serves as a means of displaying the vehicle's intended purpose. Yes, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all vehicles are required to be registered at the Regional Transport Office (RTO), and then these registered cars are required to have number plates that display this registration number. But these plates also come in different colours, symbolising the purpose carried out by each vehicle.
If you have ever spotted a black number plate in India and are curious to understand what the significance behind it is, the guide below helps provide a deeper look into it.
What Exactly Is a Black Number Plate?
A black number plate in India is a number plate that helps identify vehicles used for rental or business transport purposes, setting them apart from vehicles used for personal means. These generally include a black number plate with yellow or white text, and this colour coding is mandated by the government, making it easier for toll authorities and other law enforcement authorities to easily identify these cars at a glance.
These black number plates are specifically issued to vehicles rented out by businesses such as vehicle rental companies, luxury hotels, self-drive car businesses, and even other commercial transport services.
Regulations and Eligibility for Black Number Plates
To obtain a black number plate with white numbers or yellow numbers in India, it must meet certain criteria for eligibility and follow a set of rules. These include:
Purpose of Vehicle Use
Business Registration Requirement
Mandatory Insurance Coverage
Required Vehicle Documents
- Form 20 (Application for registration)
- Form 21 (Vehicle sales certificate)
- Form 22 (Road safety/fitness certificate)
- Proof of valid insurance.
Driving Licence Requirements
Application Process
Fees Required
The vehicle must be registered specifically for self-driven rentals or commercial leasing purposes.
The business applying must have a valid and current GST registration or be registered as a rental/hire firm.
The vehicle must have commercial insurance with self-drive endorsements to cover rental use legally.
Complete and submit all required RTO documents, including:
There is no requirement for a commercial driving licence (DL) to operate vehicles with black number plates, as a regular driving licence is more than sufficient.
The application process involves proper business registration, paperwork submission, payment of applicable fees, and meeting regulatory inspections at the RTO.
The cost of obtaining a black number plate generally ranges between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000, depending on the region and specific conditions.
Benefits and Significance of Black Number Plates
What are the main benefits of owning a black number plate in India? If you are wondering the same, the points below should help you understand better:
1. Easy Identification
Black number plates help law enforcement quickly identify rental and commercial vehicles on the road.
2. Regulatory Compliance
They ensure that self-drive rental and commercial vehicles are properly registered and tracked according to government rules.
3. Legal Validity
Owning a black number plate makes your vehicle compliant with regulations in the growing self-drive rental car sector.
4. Simplified Enforcement
Black number plates streamline toll payments and enforcement checks by clearly marking commercial rental vehicles.
5. Brand Trust
Using a black number plate helps build trust with customers by showing your business operates within the legal framework.
Important Points to Know About a Black Number Plate
There are certain significant points related to the validity, renewal, and interstate travel rules for a black number plate in India that one should be aware of:
Validity of Black Number Plates and Licences
Renewal Process
Interstate Travel Rules
Black number plates and commercial driving licences are valid for 5 years. This matches the validity of the vehicle’s fitness certificate.
You must renew your licence at least 30 days before its expiration. The renewal fee usually ranges between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000.
Cars with black number plates used for self-driving rentals can travel anywhere in India. Some states may require a special interstate permit; therefore, check local transportation rules before travelling.
Summing Up
In all, spotting a car with a black number plate in India signifies commercial vehicles that are known to run on self-drive or rent-and-drive facilities. Cars with a black number plate with white numbers or yellow numbers in India fulfil a legal requirement, allowing them to be easily distinguished from others, being a part of a registered commercial fleet rather than a privately owned car. It is vital for vehicle owners and renters to diligently follow all regulatory requirements, including obtaining the appropriate number plate and car insurance, to avoid penalties and ensure smooth, legal usage on Indian roads.
For any help related to insurance, IRDAI-authorised platforms like Coverfox simplify this process, offering easy insurance comparisons and smooth policy management, thereby allowing users to secure the right coverage for their vehicles efficiently.
Also Read:
High Security Number Plates (HSRPs): A Complete Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Number Plates in India
What Does a Red Number Plate Mean?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a black number plate in India mean?
Vehicles with a black number plate in India signify that they are used for self-driven rentals or commercial leasing purposes, differentiating them from private vehicles.
Can vehicles with a black number plate travel interstate?
Yes, in general, they can. However, certain states may require special permits.
How much does it cost to get a black number plate in India?
Depending on the region and specific conditions, obtaining a black number plate may cost between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000.
What happens if the permit or plate is not renewed on time?
Delays in timely renewals can lead to fines, penalties and even vehicle confiscations by authorities.
