Ever wondered why some cars have yellow plates and others green, or what "BH" stands for on that plate you saw last week? Each colour isn't random — it tells you exactly how that vehicle is registered and used.
White plate, black text — private vehicles. Cars, bikes, scooters, anything for personal use. This is what most people drive.
Yellow plate, black text — commercial vehicles like taxis, autos, and trucks. Driving one legally requires a commercial driving licence, not just a regular LMV or MCWG.
Black plate, yellow text — self-drive rentals (think Zoomcar). No commercial licence needed here, since you're driving it yourself for personal use within rental terms.
Green plate — electric vehicles. White text means private EV, yellow text means commercial EV.
Red plate — brand new vehicles awaiting permanent registration, valid for about a month.
Blue plate — foreign diplomats and delegates.
What's changed recently
Two updates matter most right now. First, HSRP (High Security Registration Plates) are now mandatory nationwide — tamper-proof, reflective, and linked to the VAHAN database, with fines up to ₹5,000 for skipping the switch if your vehicle still runs an old-style plate.
Second, the BH (Bharat) series has picked up serious traction. It's meant for people who relocate across states often — think transferable government jobs or private employees whose company operates in four or more states. Instead of re-registering your vehicle every time you move states, a BH plate works nationwide, and road tax is paid every 2 years instead of upfront for 15.
Who's eligible for BH series
Central and state government employees
Defence personnel
Private-sector employees whose employer has offices in 4+ states
Non-transport (private) vehicles only — commercial vehicles don't qualify
Getting the right number plate — HSRP retrofitting, BH conversion, or moving from another state's plate to a Karnataka one — usually means paperwork most people don't want to deal with alone.
Upride handles number plate-related RTO services across Bangalore — HSRP, BH series applications, and re-registration when you move your vehicle from another state to Karnataka. 📲 Message us on WhatsApp and we'll sort out your plate the right way.