Embassy & Diplomatic Number Plates in India — Complete Guide
Understanding the special number plates used by foreign embassies, consulates, and international organizations in India.
Foreign embassies, high commissions, consulates, and international organizations in India use special number plates that identify their diplomatic status. These plates are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and follow a unique format with country codes.
How to Read a Number Plate
MH
State Code
(Maharashtra)
12
RTO District
(Pune)
AB
Series Code
(Alphabetic)
1234
Unique No.
(0001–9999)
Quick Facts
- ●Diplomatic plates are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), not RTOs.
- ●CD plates (Corps Diplomatique) are for diplomats with full diplomatic immunity.
- ●CC plates (Consular Corps) are for consular officials with limited immunity.
- ●UN plates are for United Nations officials and vehicles.
- ●Diplomatic vehicles are exempt from certain local laws under the Vienna Convention.
- ●Country codes on plates identify the diplomat's home country (e.g., 13 = USA, 86 = China).
What Are Diplomatic Number Plates?
Diplomatic number plates are special registration plates issued to vehicles belonging to foreign diplomatic missions in India. They are easily identifiable by their distinct format, colour, and codes. These plates signal that the vehicle and its occupants may enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities under international law.
Types of Diplomatic Plates
India issues several types of diplomatic plates depending on the status and role of the official:
- ›CD (Corps Diplomatique) — For accredited diplomats (ambassadors, high commissioners, and their staff). White text on blue background. Full diplomatic immunity.
- ›CC (Consular Corps) — For consular officials posted at consulates (not embassies). White text on yellow background. Limited immunity for official acts.
- ›UN (United Nations) — For UN officials and agencies. White text on blue background with "UN" prefix.
- ›D-Series — For non-diplomatic staff of embassies (administrative/technical staff). White plate with "D" prefix.
Format of Diplomatic Plates
Diplomatic plates follow a specific numbering format:
- ›Format: [Country Code] CD [Serial Number] — e.g., "13 CD 5" means USA Embassy, 5th vehicle.
- ›Country codes are assigned by MEA — each country has a unique number (e.g., 13 = USA, 86 = China, 44 = UK, 91 = Russia).
- ›The serial number indicates the specific vehicle within the mission.
- ›CC plates follow: [Country Code] CC [Serial Number].
- ›UN plates follow: UN [Agency Code] [Serial Number].
Common Country Codes on Diplomatic Plates
Here are some frequently seen country codes on diplomatic vehicles in New Delhi:
- ›13 — United States of America
- ›86 — China
- ›44 — United Kingdom
- ›91 — Russia
- ›33 — France
- ›49 — Germany
- ›81 — Japan
- ›82 — South Korea
- ›61 — Australia
- ›55 — Brazil
- ›92 — Pakistan
- ›94 — Sri Lanka
- ›977 — Nepal
- ›880 — Bangladesh
Diplomatic Immunity — What It Means
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), diplomats enjoy certain immunities:
- ›Full immunity: CD plate holders (diplomats) cannot be arrested, detained, or prosecuted by Indian authorities.
- ›Limited immunity: CC plate holders (consular officials) have immunity only for official acts.
- ›Diplomatic vehicles generally cannot be towed, clamped, or impounded.
- ›However, India can declare a diplomat "persona non grata" and expel them for serious offences.
- ›The home country can waive immunity, allowing prosecution in Indian courts.
Traffic Rules and Diplomatic Vehicles
While diplomatic immunity exists, it does not mean diplomats can ignore traffic rules:
- ›Indian traffic police can issue challans to diplomatic vehicles, but enforcement depends on the home country.
- ›The MEA sends periodic reminders to embassies about traffic compliance.
- ›Serious incidents (accidents, drunk driving) are reported to the MEA for diplomatic resolution.
- ›Some embassies voluntarily pay traffic fines to maintain good relations.
- ›Hit-and-run cases involving diplomatic vehicles have caused diplomatic tensions in the past.
Where Are Diplomatic Vehicles Found?
Most diplomatic vehicles are concentrated in:
- ›New Delhi — Chanakyapuri (Diplomatic Enclave), where most embassies are located.
- ›Mumbai — Near consulate offices in South Mumbai and BKC.
- ›Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru — Cities with consulates.
- ›UN vehicles are primarily seen near UN offices in New Delhi and other major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diplomatic vehicles be challaned?
What does "CD" on a number plate mean?
Can I get a diplomatic number plate?
What is the difference between CD and CC plates?
Do diplomatic vehicles pay road tax?
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