The car number plate size in India is 340 x 200 mm or 500 x 120 mm, as laid down for light motor vehicles under Rule 50, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, and the plate must be a high security registration plate. The long narrow 500 x 120 mm plate suits most front bumpers, while the taller 340 x 200 mm plate is used where the rear plate recess is square.
Owners often bring cars in with a cracked plate after a parking knock, or ask whether a stylish font is allowed. This guide covers sizes for cars and two wheelers, the security features, what you cannot do, and where to get a replacement. Tyre, part and safety guides for other questions start from the home page, and riders may also want the helmet size chart.
At a glance
- Car (light motor vehicle)340 x 200 mm or 500 x 120 mm
- Two and three wheelers200 x 100 mm; motorcycle front may be 285 x 45 mm
- Trucks and buses340 x 200 mm
- Plate typeHigh security registration plate (HSRP) in aluminium
- ColoursBlack on white for private, black on yellow for transport
- Third plateColour coded sticker inside the windscreen of four wheelers
- RuleRule 50, Central Motor Vehicles Rules
Car number plate size and other vehicle sizes
| Vehicle category | Plate size |
|---|---|
| Two wheelers and three wheelers | 200 x 100 mm |
| Motorcycle front plate (allowed option) | 285 x 45 mm |
| Light motor vehicles and passenger cars | 340 x 200 mm or 500 x 120 mm |
| Medium and heavy commercial vehicles, trailers | 340 x 200 mm |
These are the sizes listed under Rule 50 for high security plates. The same table appears on official traffic police guidance, such as the registration mark guidelines page. Agricultural tractors and construction equipment have their own options in the rule.
Bike and scooter number plate size
Two wheelers use a 200 x 100 mm plate, which carries the registration number on two lines. Motorcycles may carry a slim 285 x 45 mm plate at the front, with the number on one line, which fits the small space below the headlamp on many bikes. Scooters usually carry the front plate on the apron and the rear plate below the tail lamp. Never bend a plate to make it fit a smaller mudguard; the plate holder or bracket should be changed instead. Long mud flaps or a tyre hugger must not hide the rear plate either.
What makes a plate a high security plate
- Made of aluminium sheet with an embossed border and rounded corners.
- Characters are embossed, not printed or stuck on.
- A chromium based hologram is hot stamped on the plate.
- The letters IND appear in blue on the left side.
- A unique laser branded identification number is burnt into the reflective sheeting.
- The rear plate is fitted with non reusable snap locks so it cannot be removed and refitted easily.
Four wheelers also get a third registration mark, a colour coded sticker fixed inside the windscreen, whose colour shows the fuel type and which carries the registration details. It is destroyed if peeled off.
Colours and lettering on Indian plates
Private cars and bikes carry black characters on a white background. Transport vehicles, such as taxis and goods carriers, carry black characters on a yellow background. Some special categories of vehicle use other colour schemes, and your RTO issues the right one at registration.
The size and spacing of letters and digits are fixed in Rule 51. Fancy fonts, italic styles, extra spacing that makes one number look like another, and names or symbols on the plate are not allowed, and stickers or labels on the plate are banned.
Fitting the plate on your car
The plate fitter uses the bolt holes or the recess provided by the car maker. Keep these points in mind:
- The plate must be clearly visible and not hidden by a tow hook, bike rack or bumper guard.
- The rear plate must be lit at night by the number plate lamp, so replace a fused bulb promptly.
- Do not put a tinted or reflective cover over the plate.
- If the car has a square rear recess, the 340 x 200 mm plate usually fits it best. Most front bumpers take the 500 x 120 mm plate.
Replacing a damaged or lost plate
Because every high security plate is linked to your vehicle record by its laser code, you cannot simply have a new one cut at a local shop. Replacement plates are ordered through the authorised supplier for your state, usually by booking online and fitting at a dealer or a fitment centre. Keep your registration certificate handy, as the booking needs your registration and chassis details. If the plate was stolen, file a police complaint first.
Common car number plate size mistakes
- Fitting a plate cut to a custom shape to suit an aftermarket bumper.
- Folding the corners of a two wheeler plate to clear the mudguard.
- Adding a frame with words or the dealer name that covers the plate edge.
- Leaving a cracked plate in place after a minor knock.
- Removing the windscreen sticker when changing a cracked windscreen. Ask the windscreen fitter to note this so you can get a fresh sticker.
Rules and supplier processes can differ from state to state, so check your state transport department for the latest booking process.
Questions owners ask
What is the car number plate size in India?
Under Rule 50, cars and other light motor vehicles may use 340 x 200 mm or 500 x 120 mm. Both must be high security registration plates.
What is the number plate size for a bike?
Two wheelers use 200 x 100 mm. Motorcycles may also use a 285 x 45 mm plate at the front.
Can I use my own font or design on the plate?
No. Letter sizes and layout are fixed by Rule 51, and names, symbols, stickers and stylish fonts are not allowed on the plate.
What is the third registration plate?
It is a colour coded sticker fixed inside the windscreen of four wheelers, carrying the registration details. Its colour shows the type of fuel the vehicle uses.
Where do I get a replacement high security plate?
Through the authorised supplier for your state, usually booked online with fitting at a dealer or fitment centre. A local sign shop cannot make one.
Which plate size fits my car's rear recess?
Most rear recesses that are close to square take the 340 x 200 mm plate, while wide flat bumpers take 500 x 120 mm. The fitter will use the one that matches the maker's mounting points.