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Why You Should Avoid Having Fancy Number Plates?

Updated Aug 30, 2024

Cons of Having Fancy Number Plates

Number plates play an important role in identification of vehicles on the road.To guarantee uniformity and simplicity of recognition, the Indian government has set precise criteria for the design and appearance of number plates. Although some car owners might be tempted to add fancy fonts or unusual designs on their vehicle's number plate, doing so can result in fines and legal problems. This article explains the legal rules governing number plates in India and explains why it is best to avoid having fancy number plates.

Registration Process of a Car

The registration process for a car involves several steps:

Vehicle Inspection: The car needs to undergo a physical inspection to ensure it meets safety and emissions standards.
Documentation: Required documents such as proof of ownership, identity proof, address proof, and insurance need to be submitted.
Payment of Fees: Registration fees and road tax are paid as per the state regulations.
Number Plate Assignment: A unique registration number is assigned to the car.
Issuance of Registration Certificate: A registration certificate is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) as proof of the car's legality.

Car Number Plate Format Needs to be Followed

Car number plates are required to be displayed in a specific format:

Uniform Size: The number plates should have a uniform size specified by the transportation department.
Correct Font and Size: The number plate should use standard fonts and sizes for better visibility.
Alphanumeric Characters: The registration number should have a combination of alphabets and numbers.
State Code: The number plate should display the designated state code where the vehicle is registered.

Official Font Size and Dimensions of a Number Plate

There are specific dimensions and font sizes of number plates which are fixed by the government of India. This is done to ensure readability and uniformity across the country. According to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, following are the specifications for number plates:

Private Vehicles: The number plate size should be 500 mm x 120 mm for cars and 285 mm x 45 mm for two-wheelers. The font size should be 65 mm in height for the vehicle registration number and 10 mm for the state code.
Commercial Vehicles: The number plate size is 340 mm x 200 mm or 500 mm x 120 mm for commercial vehicles.

These dimensions and font sizes ensure that the number plate is clearly visible and easily readable from a distance.

Number Plate Font and Background Colour Specifications

The Indian government has prescribed specific font and colour combinations for number plates based on the type of vehicle:

Type of Vehicle	Background Colour	Font Colour
Private Vehicles	White	Black
Commercial Vehicles	Yellow	Black
Electric Vehicles	Green	White (Yellow for commercial EVs)
Rental Cabs	Yellow	Black

Guidelines for Car Number Plate

There are certain guidelines to follow when displaying a car number plate:

Legibility: The number plate should be clearly legible from a reasonable distance.
Reflective Material: The plates should be made of reflective material to enhance visibility, especially at night.
Secure Mounting: The number plates should be securely mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle.
No Modifications: It is important not to modify or tamper with the number plate, as it is a legal offense.
No Obstruction: The number plate should not be partially or fully covered, ensuring it is easily readable by authorities and other road users.
Validity and Renewal: The number plate and registration certificate should be renewed as per the prescribed validity period to comply with the regulations.

Following these guidelines ensures compliance with the law and aids in easy identification and registration of vehicles.

Why Should You Avoid Having Fancy Number Plates?

Many people might want to customise their vehicle’s number plate with fancy colours or fonts. But you know this is illegal in India. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with other amendments and notifications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, clearly defines the standard specifications for number plates. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to certain actions by the authorities. Here are the key reasons why you should not use fancy number plates:

1. You Can be Penalised

As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) 1989, vehicles must have number plates designed as per the set size, font, and colour specifications fixed by he government. If you use fancy number plates, then this will be considered a violation of the law. This can attract fines up to ₹5,000, depending on the case.

2. Security-Related Issues

One of the main purposes of having a standard specification for number plates is to have quick identification of the vehicle. Fancy number plates can impact this process and create problems for law enforcement agencies, especially in cases where prompt action is required.

3. Issues with Insurance Claim

If you are using an unauthorised number plate, then your insurance provider may consider it a violation of policy terms. This may lead to rejection of your claim in case of a mishap or theft.

4. May Compromise Road Safety

Fancy fonts or unclear designs can reduce the clarity of the number plate, especially from a distance or in low-light conditions. This may compromise road safety.

What Is The Penalty For Having A Fancy Licence Plate?

As previously stated, having a clear number plate that adheres to the specified format is important. According to section 51 and section 177 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules in India, breaching the law will result in a fine. The fine is currently Rs. 1,000, although there could be regional variations.

Conclusion

Though selecting a fancy number plate for your new car may be appealing, it is not appropriate. However, it is best to prevent this or at the very least be vigilant when selecting a font. If your number plate does not meet the RTO's prescribed format, you could face a fine of Rs. 1,000, according to India's Motor Vehicles Rules. Furthermore, it is a strictly enforced rule since car number plates are often tampered with by criminals attempting to escape state surveillance by misusing identification numbers or blurred number plates.

FAQs

Q: Can I change the look of my number plate using decorative material?

A: No, you can decorate your number plate. Fancy elements, logos or stickers etc. on the number plate are illegal and can result in penalties.

Q: Will I be penalised if I do not follow the standard number plate rules?

A: Not abiding by the number plate regulations can lead to fines and issues with insurance claims. Your vehicle can also be impounded by the authorities.

Q: Is it mandatory to replace an old number plate with the new high-security registration plate (HSRP)?

A: Yes, as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways mandate, all vehicles in India must have HSRPs that adhere to the prescribed standards.

Q: Can I customise the font of my car’s number plate?

A: No, customising the font is not allowed. The font and size of your number plate must comply with the standards set by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

Q: What are High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), and why are they required?

A: HSRPs are tamper-proof number plates with a unique laser code. These are mandatory for all vehicles in India. They help prevent theft and ensure uniform compliance with government standards.

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Written by Udit Varshney

Udit has built B2C segments across various industries and has had significant contributions to the insurance sector. Read More

Disclaimer

This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.