Fancy Number Plates: Style Statement or Traffic Violation?

In today’s automobile culture, fancy number plates have become a trend. From stylised fonts and flashy backgrounds to VIP numbers and religious symbols, vehicle owners increasingly treat number plates as an extension of their identity. For some, it’s a personal branding tool; for others, a way to express status. However, beyond the aesthetics lies a serious concern: do these fancy plates comply with the law?

This article examines the legality of fancy number plates in India, analyses the relevant rules and penalties, discusses the reasons for regulation, and reflects on the broader implications of this seemingly minor yet impactful issue.

Legal Framework Governing Number Plates

1. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

Section 39 prescribes that no person shall drive, or allow a vehicle to be driven, in any public or other place unless the vehicle is duly registered, the registration is valid, and the registration number is displayed in the manner prescribed by law.

Exception: This provision does not apply to motor vehicles in the possession of a dealer, subject to conditions prescribed by the Central Government.

2. Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989

The detailed provisions governing number plates are found in Rule 50 and Rule 51 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. 

Rule 50: Display of Registration Marks

1. Mandatory Use of Security Number Plates

Vehicles must display registration numbers both at the front and rear using security license plates as per specifications.

2. Specifications of Security Plates

• Material: 1.0 mm aluminium, suitable for hot stamping, with embossed borders and rounded corners.
• Reflectivity: Reflective sheeting guaranteed for 5 years.
• “IND” Inscription: In blue, on the extreme left, hot-stamped into the plate.
• Anti-Counterfeiting: Chromium-based hologram (no stickers), laser-branded 7-digit ID.
• Snap Lock System: Plates to be fixed with non-removable snap locks at RTO premises.
• Third Registration Mark: Hologram sticker on the inside of the windshield (top-left) with vehicle details.

3. Issuance and Approval

• Plates must be issued by registering authorities or approved dealers of licensed manufacturers.
• Manufacturers must be certified by CRRI or other government-authorised agencies.

4. Size of Number Plates

• Two/Three-Wheelers: 200 × 100 mm
• Cars/LMVs: 340 × 200 mm or 500 × 120 mm
• Heavy Vehicles/Trailers: 340 × 200 mm
• Agricultural Tractors: Front – 285 × 45 mm; Rear – 200 × 100 mm
• Combine Harvester: 340 × 200 mm (front, rear, and trailer)
• Power Tillers: Front – 285 × 45 mm; Trailer – 200 × 100 mm
• Motorcycles: 285 × 45 mm at front also permitted

5. Placement Rules

Motorcycles: Front plate may face forward (handlebar/mudguard).

Transport Vehicles:

• Rear plate: Right side, within 1 metre from ground.
• Additional painting of number on both sides of the body.
• Number to be displayed inside cabin facing passengers (for buses/taxis).

6. Font and Colour Scheme

• Language: English letters, Arabic numerals.
• Private Vehicles: Black on white
• Transport Vehicles: Black on yellow
• Trailers: Left – Black on yellow; Right – Reflective yellow with towing vehicle’s number

7. Number Format

• Two-Line Display: First line – State & RTO code; Second line – Vehicle number.
• Single Line: Permitted if space is inadequate (e.g., 200×100 mm plate).
• Even/Odd Distribution: Characters must be evenly distributed across lines.
• Lighting: LMVs may have illuminated number plates.

8. Manufacturing Requirements

• Vehicles manufactured post-1993 must provide space for two-line rear number plate.

9. Special Allowances

• Agricultural Tractors: Plate can be inclined up to 45°.
• Tractor-Trailer Units: Tractor’s number need not be displayed on the trailer.
• Modular Hydraulic Trailers: Puller tractor need not display trailer’s number.

Rule 51: Size of Letters and Numerals for Registration Marks

This rule prescribes the minimum height, thickness, and spacing of letters and numerals on number plates based on the type and category of vehicle.

3. High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP)

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), through a notification dated 6th December 2018, made HSRP mandatory for all vehicles. 

Key Highlights of Motor Vehicles (High Security Registration Plates) Order, 2018:

1. Affixation by Dealer: Vehicle manufacturers must supply type-approved HSRPs (including the third registration mark) to dealers, who will affix them after placing the registration number.
2. Cost Inclusion: The cost of the HSRP and its installation must be included in the vehicle price—no extra or separate charges can be levied from the buyer.
3. Certification Requirement: HSRPs must be certified by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) or any authorised testing agency under Rule 126 of CMVR, 1989.
4. Anti-Counterfeiting Features: Plates must have a 20 mm x 20 mm chromium-based hologram with a blue Chakra, and a laser-branded 10-digit unique ID with vendor initials.
5. Electronic Linking and Record Maintenance: The HSRP must be electronically linked to the vehicle upon registration, and detailed records must be maintained for audit by testing authorities.

Common Forms of Fancy Number Plates

1. Stylised Fonts – Cursive writing, graffiti styles, italicised or bolded formats.
2. Religious or Caste Symbols – Symbols like Om, Swastika, Cross, Crescent Moon.
3. Political Affiliations – Logos or party names.
4. VIP or Pseudo-Government Tags – Misuse of terms like “Govt. of India”, “Press”, or “MLA”.
5. Obscured or Hidden Numbers – Decorative items that obstruct the view.
6. LED and Flashing Plates – Number plates lit with LED lights or other visual effects.
7. Customised Backgrounds – National flag, tiger stripes, or camouflage patterns.

Each state typically has its own pricing structure for VIP number plates. For example, states like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra often have higher base prices due to greater demand. In contrast, similar numbers may be more affordable in other states. Additionally, state-specific auction policies contribute to these pricing variations.

Why the Law Regulates Number Plates

While fancy number plates may seem harmless, the reasons for strict regulations are grounded in public safety, legal uniformity, and national security.

1. Vehicle Identification

The primary purpose of a number plate is to uniquely identify a vehicle. In cases of:

• Accidents
• Crimes involving getaway vehicles
• Traffic violations

Illegible or decorative number plates hinder identification and enforcement.

2. Uniformity for Enforcement

Standardised plates help police and surveillance systems like CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to:

• Read vehicle data quickly
• Issue e-challans automatically
• Detect stolen vehicles or traffic rule violators

3. Security Implications

Fake or stylised plates can be used:

• To impersonate VIPs
• To evade tolls or fines
• In criminal activities

Thus, regulating number plates is essential for national security.

Penalties for Violation

According to Section 192 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: 

Whoever drives or permits the use of a motor vehicle in violation of Section 39 shall be liable:

For the first offence: To a fine between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000.

For a second or subsequent offence: To imprisonment up to one year, or a fine between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000, or both.

Provided that the court may, for recorded reasons, impose a lesser punishment.

Additionally, the traffic police are empowered to:

• Issue e-challans
• Impound registration certificates (RC)
• Remove non-compliant number plates on the spot

States like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have set up enforcement drives, targeting vehicles with illegal plates using automated systems and surprise checks.

Cultural and Societal Trends

The rise of social media, influencer culture, and automobile vlogging has increased the obsession with aesthetics. People spend lavishly on car wraps, accessories, and fancy plates for online attention. This cultural shift leads to:

• Neglect of legality
• Risk-taking behaviour on roads
• Normalisation of non-compliance

Additionally, regional pride, religious expression, or caste identity is sometimes displayed on plates—raising both legal and social concerns.

Challenges in Enforcement

1. Lack of Awareness: Many users are unaware that their designer plates are illegal. There’s little public education on the subject.
2. Corruption and Influence: Some vehicles with fancy plates belong to politically connected individuals. Police may hesitate to take action.
3. Technological Gaps: Not all cities have ANPR systems or digital policing infrastructure to automate enforcement.
4. Fake Stickers and Badges: Many vehicles sport fake “Police,” “Press,” or “Army” badges to avoid penalty, posing challenges for genuine law enforcers.

Role of the Public and State

Public Responsibility

Citizens should:

• Understand the importance of standard plates
• Avoid treating vehicles as billboards of personal ideology
• Refrain from using misleading or obstructive elements

Government Measures

• Must check the implementation of HSRP (High Security Registration Plates)
• Conduct awareness campaigns via print, digital, and social media
• Authorise regular inspection drives
• Impose spot fines and temporary impounding of vehicles with illegal plates

Comparative Perspective: Global Standards

1. United Kingdom: Number plates must follow DVLA standards (BS AU 145e) for font, spacing, and reflectivity. Non-compliance can lead to a £1,000 fine or MOT failure. Only registered suppliers are allowed.
2. United States: Plate laws vary state-by-state. Some states require both front and rear plates, others just one. Custom/vanity plates are popular but heavily regulated per state.
3. Europe: EU guidelines promote uniformity (e.g., blue EU strip with country code), but font and layout rules vary by country. Germany is stricter; Italy allows more design freedom.
4. Asia: A mix of modern and outdated systems. Countries like Japan and Singapore have strict rules, while rural parts of India still use inconsistent formats. Scripts and colors differ widely.
5. Australia & New Zealand: Custom plates are common but regulated. All plates must meet standards for size, font, and legibility. Offensive or misleading messages are banned.
6. Africa: Plate systems range from modern (South Africa) to unregulated (rural regions). Counterfeit issues persist, but many countries are adopting digital and standardised systems.

India’s flexible enforcement so far has created a gap between regulations and road reality, which needs to be bridged for a safer traffic ecosystem.

Obsession with VIP Numbers

Cost of Vanity

Vehicle owners often spend lakhs on ‘lucky’ or VIP numbers such as:

• 0001, 0786, 9999, 420
• Date of birth combinations
• Names (e.g., “RAJ007”)

Such numbers are auctioned under state transport department schemes (Regional Transport Office), which are legal as long as the plate’s format complies with the law.

Legal v. Illegal Customisation

Buying a VIP number is not illegal. However, displaying it in an illegal format—such as writing “INDIA 1” instead of standardised “DL 1C AA 0001”—violates CMVR norms.

Conclusion

References

1. Number Plate Rules in India: Compliance Guide, Available Here
2. Advisory to States/Union Territories on High Security Registration Plate of the Central Motor Vehicles, Available Here
3. Number Plates in India: Types, Colours & Specifications, Available Here
4. Are Number Plate Laws the Same Around the World?, Available Here
5. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
6. Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989

7. Motor Vehicles (High Security Registration Plates) Order, 2018, Available Here