Red Number Plates in India – Meaning, Rules & Uses Explained (2025 Guide)

If you’ve ever spotted a car with a red number plate on Indian roads and wondered what it signifies — you’re not alone. Number plates in India come in various colors, each representing a specific category of vehicle ownership and usage. Among them, the red number plate is one of the most eye-catching and exclusive types you’ll see.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about red number plates in India — their meaning, uses, rules, and legal conditions as per the latest 2025 regulations.

What is a Red Number Plate in India?

A red number plate in India indicates that the vehicle is brand new and unregistered. These vehicles are typically owned by car dealerships or manufacturers and are yet to be officially registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The white alphabets and numbers on a red background signify that the car is temporarily allowed to be driven only for specific purposes such as delivery, testing, or demonstration — not for regular personal or commercial use.

Simply put:

Red Number Plate = Temporary registration for a brand-new vehicle.

Who Uses Red Number Plates?

Red number plates are not for general public use. They are primarily used by:

1.     Car Manufacturers – For vehicles being transported from the manufacturing plant to dealerships.

2.     Dealerships – For test drives or demonstration purposes for potential buyers.

3.     Vehicle Owners (Temporarily) – If a new car is purchased but permanent registration is still under process at the RTO.

4.     Importers – For imported vehicles that await customs and RTO clearance.

Legal Meaning of Red Number Plates as per RTO Rules (2025)

As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, vehicles must display a registration number issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). However, before permanent registration, a temporary registration number is allowed under Rule 53 of CMVR.

Here’s what it means:

·       Temporary registration is valid only for 30 days from the date of issue.

·       During this period, the vehicle must not be used for personal or commercial purposes beyond testing or transport.

·       Once permanent registration is completed, the red number plate must be replaced with the appropriate color-coded plate.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines or penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Validity of Red Number Plates

·       Temporary registration validity: 30 days (can be extended once under valid reasons).

·       After the validity expires, the vehicle must be permanently registered at the RTO, and the red number plate must be replaced with a permanent registration plate — such as a white plate (private use) or yellow plate (commercial use).

How to Get a Red Number Plate (Temporary Registration)

Here’s the process to get a temporary red number plate for your new car in 2025:

1.     Purchase a new vehicle from an authorized dealer.

2.     The dealer will apply for a temporary registration number with the RTO on your behalf.

3.     You’ll need to provide basic documents such as:

o   Form 20 (Application for registration)

o   Sale certificate (Form 21)

o   Roadworthiness certificate (Form 22)

o   Address proof and ID proof

4.     The RTO will issue a temporary registration certificate (TR) valid for 30 days.

5.     During this period, you can legally drive the vehicle with a red number plate.

After the TR expires, you must complete permanent registration to get your regular number plate.

Red Number Plate Format

The red number plate follows a specific format similar to regular plates, but with white text on a red background.

Example:

DL TEMP 2025 4567

Here:

·       DL – State/Union Territory code (Delhi)

·       TEMP – Denotes temporary registration

·       2025 – Year of registration

·       4567 – Unique identification number assigned to the vehicle

When You Cannot Use a Red Number Plate

You cannot use a red number plate in the following cases:

·       After the 30-day temporary registration validity expires

·       For commercial operations or passenger transport

·       For personal trips or long-distance travel without valid registration

·       If the vehicle is sold to another buyer before permanent registration

Driving a vehicle with an expired red number plate is considered a violation and can attract fines up to ₹10,000 or even vehicle seizure, depending on the state’s traffic enforcement.

Difference Between Red and Other Number Plates in India

Number Plate Color	Text Color	Meaning / Usage
White Plate	Black	Private vehicle (personal use)
Yellow Plate	Black	Commercial vehicles (taxis, trucks, etc.)
Green Plate	White/Yellow	Electric vehicles (private/commercial)
Blue Plate	White	Vehicles used by foreign diplomats
Black Plate	Yellow	Rental vehicles/self-drive services
Red Plate	White	Temporary registration (unregistered vehicles)

This distinction helps traffic authorities, RTO officials, and law enforcement easily identify the purpose and ownership of each vehicle.

Rules & Penalties Related to Red Number Plates

As per Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, no vehicle can be driven in a public place without valid registration.

Violations related to red number plates include:

·       Driving after expiry of temporary registration – Fine up to ₹10,000.

·       Using for personal/commercial use without RTO approval – Legal action under MVA.

·       Fake or duplicated temporary plates – Vehicle impoundment and prosecution.

Therefore, always ensure your red number plate is authentic, valid, and used only for its intended purpose.

Key Points to Remember about Red Number Plates

·       Indicates temporary registration of a brand-new vehicle.

·       Valid only for 30 days (extendable in some cases).

·       Issued by RTO or authorized dealers after new vehicle purchase.

·       Not for personal or commercial use beyond allowed scope.

·       Must be replaced with a permanent registration plate after approval.

Expert Advice: What You Should Do

As an experienced insurance content specialist, here are some professional tips for new car buyers in 2025:

1.     Apply for permanent registration early — avoid fines or delays.

2.     Keep temporary registration certificate (TR) in your car while driving.

3.     Avoid interstate travel with a red plate unless permitted.

4.     Get your car insured even with temporary registration — it’s mandatory before registration approval.

5.     Verify dealer credentials to ensure your TR is genuine and RTO-approved.

Conclusion

The red number plate in India symbolizes the beginning of your vehicle’s journey — from purchase to permanent registration. It’s not just a temporary tag; it ensures that your new car complies with legal procedures before hitting the road officially.

Always remember to replace your red number plate with a permanent registration within the allowed time and get your car insurance active before driving.
That way, you stay compliant, safe, and stress-free on every drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a red number plate mean in India?
A red number plate in India indicates that the vehicle is brand new and temporarily registered. It is issued by the RTO and is valid for 30 days, during which the car cannot be used for personal or commercial purposes beyond testing, delivery, or transit.

2. Who can use red number plates in India?
Red number plates are primarily used by dealerships, manufacturers, or importers for brand-new vehicles awaiting permanent registration. Car owners may use them temporarily if their vehicle registration process is still under approval by the RTO.

3. How long is a red number plate valid?

The validity of a red number plate is 30 days from the date of issuance. In exceptional cases, it can be extended once if there’s a valid reason, such as pending RTO approval or transfer delay. After expiry, permanent registration is mandatory.

4. Is it legal to drive with a red number plate in India?
Yes, it’s legal to drive with a red number plate only for limited purposes like delivery, RTO visits, or manufacturer testing — and only during the valid temporary registration period. Driving with an expired red number plate is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

5. What happens if I use a red number plate after expiry?
Using a red number plate after the 30-day temporary registration period is illegal. You may face a fine of up to ₹10,000, or your vehicle may be impounded under Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Always switch to your permanent registration plate on time.