Black Number Plate in India

The black number plate in India is used for rental vehicles that are registered as commercial but driven for private use. Black number plate with white numbers in India is legal for self-drive services. If you’re wondering what a black number plate means, it signals that vehicle is not privately owned but you can use it through lease or rental.  Here you will know about one of the number plates i.e  black number plate with white letters, black number plate with yellow numbers/letters on it.

Black Number Plate in India

Number plates help keep clear records of vehicles. They also make it easy to tell different types of vehicles apart. When you look at plate color and code, you can quickly know the state and district where vehicle was registered. You can also see if vehicle is private or public. In India, each plate color has its own meaning and shows importance of that vehicle.

There are about 8 different types of Indian number plates. This includes 

1. White number plates 
2. Yellow number plates 
3. Black number plate 
4. Blue number plates
5. Red number plates 
6. Green number plates 
7. Plates with an upward arrow. 
8. Red number plate with a golden Indian emblem 

The color in which the lettering is, is often black, yellow, or white. The color is dependent on the purpose of the vehicle.

Black Number Plate in India meaning

Black number plate in India shows rental vehicles. On these plates, letters can be yellow or white. If you see black plate with yellow letters, it means rental car is used for commercial purpose. If you see black plate with white letters, it means vehicle is for self-drive rental service.

Black plate with yellow letters is used for commercial rental vehicles.

1. These vehicles move goods or people for business. Examples include pickup trucks, vans, buses, taxis, trailers, and coaches.
2. The transportation used by upscale hotels, such as the cars available for the guests to use for personal activities, frequently have black number plate with yellow numbers or lettering. 
3. You don’t need commercial driver’s license to drive these cars. That’s why self-drive rental startups like Myles, JustRide, and Zoomcar use them.
4. Renting out your car without legal black plate is illegal in India.

How can I apply for a black number plate in India

RTO (Regional Transport Office) controls vehicle registration in India.

1. First step: make sure your company is registered. Unregistered companies cannot own vehicles with black plates.
2. Submit a letter detailing why the company profile and explaining why the company is eligible for it. You may be asked for additional documents to support your claims at RTO.
3. If approved, you pay fee. Average fee is between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000. Amount may differ by RTO, so check directly. 

There are few more documents that may be required. This includes: 

1. Completely filled Form 20.
2. Sales certificate from the dealer of the vehicle in the format of Form 21.
3. Road worthiness certificate given by the manufacturer in the format of Form 22.
4. Insurance policy at present of the vehicle and one attested copy of the same.
5. Address proof and one attested copy of the same. 
6. Road tax.

The number will be allocated and then the fee slip will be provided to the individual applying. Official registration certificate is issued later.

FAQ’s

Why are there two different types of number plates for commercial vehicles?

The yellow license plate is used for modes of transport which are specifically commercial vehicles. The black number plate is for the more niche category of rentals, wherein the owner of the vehicle is a private owner, and the car is being used by someone apart from them.

Do commercial vehicles need different insurances?

Yes, the insurance required for commercial vehicle is usually inclusive of a lot more factors and has considerably more comprehensive coverage, which means that the rates are also more than that of private vehicles.

Are any additional documents needed to drive a commercial vehicle to a different state?

Yes, you may be required to avail of State Entry Permit at additional cost if you are looking to cross state borders.

Who has black number plate in India?

In India, a black number plate with white numbers is used by self-drive rental companies, commercial vehicle owners who lease their vehicles for private use. These vehicles are commercially registered, but they can be driven by private individuals without a commercial driving license.

What is the meaning of a black number plate?

The black number plate in India means the vehicle is commercially registered, used for private, self-driven rental purposes. It is legal for private use, even though it is not privately owned. This plate is common on rental cars and bikes that customers drive themselves