1. Home
2. Blogs

Why You Should Avoid Fancy Number Plates: Your Handy Guide

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

It is mandatory for vehicles to display their registration number on the front as well as the backside of the vehicle. But some people wish to go a step forward and add a bit of zing to it. If you have been planning to get your car registration number customised and flaunt a cool look, you should be aware of some traffic rules. To avoid any penalties, all number plates are required to be in modern Arabic numerals with Latin letters. In short, the registration number of a vehicle should be readable and clearly observable.

Guidelines for Vehicle Registration Number Plate

According to the guidelines stated by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989, all vehicles plying on roads with a registration number plate, fancy or standard, must meet the following parameters —

• The registration number must be exhibited in two lines — the state code (AP) and RTO code forming the first line and the remaining number in the second line right below the first line.

• The number must be displayed in the front as well as the rear side of the vehicle, and that too in a proper position.

• To reiterate, fancy lettering is not allowed. This means no other names, pictures, or art can be displayed on it.

• The height and width of the number plate are specified and must be strictly adhered to. For example, for most four-wheelers, the font height of number plates (both front and rear) should be 65mm while the width should be 10mm with a space of 10mm between each letter and number.

• The vehicle’s number plate and the font size must be in adherence to the size mentioned below.

The Regional Transport Department of India permits certain colours for number plates and fonts, depending on the type of vehicle. The registration letters and numbers shall be black on a white background for private cars, and they should be black on a yellow background for commercial vehicles and rental cabs. A yellow background with red writing is for temporarily registered vehicles.

Why Does the Government Levy Penalty on Fancy Number Plates?

We Indians love to adorn each and everything we own, and a vehicle’s number plate is no exception. You would have noticed vehicles that have words like BOSS to denote a number like 8055 or BOYZ to represent the number 3075 on the number plate. Many write their castes as well. Some have graffiti. Then there are those who write the correct letters and numbers, but in a regional language. What the vehicle owner may not know is that all this can invite heavy fines from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) because these fonts can be misleading. Especially, when the car breaks a law like jumping a traffic signal or crosses the speed limit, the cops or the cameras would track the number plate for the challan.

However, if the number appears to be BOSS, they will find it hard to decipher it and note the details. Imagine now if the car is used for bigger crimes like robbery or kidnapping! In fact, criminals use this ploy to confuse the police. Moreover, if your car gets stolen, it would be difficult for police to trace it by looking at the number plate.

Using fancy number plates for cars with different fonts makes it challenging for the authorities to read it and track such vehicles in case of mishaps. Therefore, according to RTO rules, personalising the number plate is not allowed and using a fancy number plate can invite a fine. The exact fee amount may vary from one city to another. In the worst case, you can also lose your driver's license.

The government reserves the right to allot VIP/customised number plates from 1 to 9999. Such fancy number plates for cars come with different number combinations. Vehicle owners must bid in the auction to issue a VIP or fancy number plate for cars, whether offline or online, and pay the applicable fees and registration charges. However, the vehicle owner will be asked to pay a heavy penalty for non-compliance with the regulations.

Different Charges by the Government on Fancy Vehicle Numbers

If you don’t follow the guidelines related to number plates for cars, you could be issued a challan and asked to pay a hefty fine as per the Motor Vehicles Act (1989). RTO fines vary from state to state.

Is it Mandatory to Have an HSRP for a Fancy Number Plate?

The Motor Vehicles Act (1989) makes it mandatory for all cars in India with registration numbers, including fancy number plates, to have an HSRP or High Security Registration Plate. This helps in tracking vehicles easily in case of theft; it also ensures compliance with the guidelines.

Conclusion

We get excited about buying a new car and start thinking of ways to style it. We customise it with accessories like music system, lights, etc., but one thing which should be left aside is the number plate. Once you get the permanent car registration number, follow the above guidelines, as a fancy number plate could result in fines.

You must also invest in car insurance to safeguard your vehicle against unforeseen circumstances. Although it is mandatory for every vehicle owner to have third-party insurance, you must consider investing in a comprehensive car insurance policy to receive coverage for not only third-party liabilities but also own damage if you meet with an accident. You can also opt for add-on covers like zero depreciation and engine protection. Do remember that non-compliance with the law, including those related to rules applicable to number plates, can result in a denial when you make a claim on your insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

RELATED ARTICLES

Numbers on Your Number Plate - Here is What They Mean

Number Plates in India: Types and Usages

You Need to Know About the Bharat Series Number Plates

Green Number Plates for Electric Vehicles

How to Search for Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate?

---

• 
• 
• 
•