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In India, number plates are mandatory for most vehicles, except for official vehicles of the President and Governors, which display the Ashoka Pillar. Similarly, military vehicles have distinct codes, unlike standard civilian vehicle plates
Vehicles with special status, like those of the President and Governors of India, replace standard number plates with Ashoka Pillar, the national emblem.(News18)
In India, number plates are generally mandatory for all vehicles, and registration with the Road Transport Office (RTO) is also required. However, certain special vehicles are exempt from these requirements. These vehicles neither have number plates nor need registration with the RTO.
Special Status Vehicles
Vehicles that enjoy this special status include the official vehicles of the President and Governors of India. These vehicles do not have normal number plates or numbers. Instead, the national emblem (the Ashoka Pillar) is displayed in the area where the number plate would usually be. These vehicles are identified solely by this emblem, and their plates only feature the Ashoka symbol. Furthermore, the President’s vehicles are not registered with the RTO, meaning they are not covered under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
The management and maintenance of these vehicles fall under the administrative control of Rashtrapati Bhavan, and they are recorded in its system, separate from the RTO and the Ministry of Road Transport. These vehicles are monitored by Rashtrapati Bhavan and managed according to a special protocol. The same arrangement applies to the vehicles of governors.
Military Vehicles
Similarly, military vehicles in India are not registered with the RTO. Unlike public vehicles, military vehicles follow a different registration system managed by the Ministry of Defence.
The number plates of army vehicles feature a specific code, which includes a vertical arrow (↑) symbol, signifying military vehicles. Following the arrow, two digits indicate the vehicle’s registration year (e.g., “23″ for 2023). A series of letters and numbers follows, denoting the vehicle’s category and unique identity. For example: ↑ 23 B 123456
Army vehicle number plates are typically in white letters on a black background, distinct from civilian vehicle plates. These vehicles are registered through the military’s internal system, with separate rules and procedures focused on security and confidentiality. If a military vehicle is sold for civilian use (such as in an auction of old vehicles), it must be registered with the RTO and equipped with a standard number plate.
History Of Number Plates In India
Before British rule, there was no formal registration system for the personal and royal vehicles of Indian kings and nawabs. The practice of using number plates on vehicles in India began in 1914 with the implementation of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1914, introduced by the British government. This act set rules for vehicle registration and driving licences.
During British rule, the vehicles of kings and princely states had special number plates featuring the name or symbol of their state. Examples include: – Jaipur State – ‘JP’ – Gwalior State – ‘GWL’ – Hyderabad State – ‘HYD’ – Baroda State – ‘BRD.
How Number Plate System Changed In India
- 1914: The Indian Motor Vehicles Act initiated the compulsory registration process for vehicles.
- 1939: A new Motor Vehicles Act clarified the format and standards for number plates.
- 1989: The central government standardised number plate design.
- 2019: High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) were made mandatory to prevent tampering.
Global Implementation Of Number Plates
Number plates were first introduced in France in 1893 due to the increasing number of vehicles and accidents, necessitating a systematic way to identify vehicles. Other European countries soon followed, with number plates becoming mandatory in Britain in 1903 and Germany in 1906.
In the early 20th century, several US states also enacted laws requiring number plates. In India, number plates became a trend in the 18th century.
Unique Identifiers For Royal Vehicles
Many royal vehicles had the royal emblem or state seal. Some cars featured the state name and king’s title instead of a number plate. The British government allowed many princely states to operate vehicles without general registration.
After India’s independence in 1947, princely state vehicles needed registration like ordinary citizens. For instance, the Nawab of Hyderabad’s Rolls-Royce had ‘HYD’ instead of a traditional number plate, the Bugatti of the Jaipur Maharaja featured the royal monogram but was officially registered by the British government. and the Maharaja of Patiala’s 44 Rolls-Royces bore the state emblem.
First Registered Vehicle In India
The first registered vehicle in India, with a number plate, was registered in Mumbai (then Bombay) and was given the registration number ‘MH-01’. This vehicle was likely owned by a British or Indian businessman.
