VIP & VVIP Number Plates in India — Complete Guide
Everything about special number plates used by government officials, ministers, and constitutional authorities in India.
In India, certain government officials and constitutional authorities are assigned special number plates that indicate their rank and office. These plates follow a distinct format and are issued by the government — not available for purchase by the public.
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
- ●Only constitutional and government authorities get VIP/VVIP plates.
- ●Red beacon lights were banned for all except emergency vehicles in 2017.
- ●President and Governors use the national emblem (Ashoka Lion) instead of a number.
- ●State-level VIP plates start with the state code followed by a special series.
- ●Misuse of VIP plates or fake star plates is a punishable offence under IPC.
What Are VIP & VVIP Number Plates?
VIP (Very Important Person) and VVIP (Very Very Important Person) number plates are special registration plates assigned to vehicles used by high-ranking government officials, ministers, judges, and constitutional authorities. These plates may display special symbols, codes, or even replace the standard registration number entirely with an emblem or designation.
Who Gets VVIP Number Plates?
The highest constitutional authorities receive special plates that do not carry standard registration numbers:
- ›President of India — Ashoka Lion emblem on the plate, no registration number. The car also flies the national flag.
- ›Vice President of India — Ashoka Lion emblem, no registration number.
- ›Governors of States — State emblem on the plate, no registration number. Official car displays the state flag.
- ›Prime Minister — Standard government plate with special SPG security protocol.
- ›Chief Justice of India — Plate with Ashoka emblem and "CJI" designation.
Who Gets VIP Number Plates?
VIP number plates are assigned to senior government officials and elected representatives:
- ›Union Cabinet Ministers — Government of India plates with ministry code.
- ›Chief Ministers — State government plates with "CM" or special series.
- ›Members of Parliament (MPs) — Plates with "MP" designation and constituency code.
- ›Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) — State code with MLA series.
- ›High Court and Supreme Court Judges — Special judicial plates.
- ›IAS/IPS Officers — Government plates with rank designation.
- ›Defence Chiefs — Military plates with star markings.
Format of Government Number Plates
Government vehicle plates follow specific formats depending on the level of authority:
- ›Central Government: White plate with "Government of India" text, department code, and vehicle number (e.g., "GOI 1234").
- ›State Government: White plate with state name, department, and number (e.g., "Government of Maharashtra — Home Dept — 01").
- ›Defence Vehicles: Black plate with upward-pointing arrow (↑) followed by a number code. No state registration.
- ›Police Vehicles: State code with "POL" or department identifier.
Beacon Lights — The 2017 Ban
Before May 2017, VIP vehicles commonly used red or blue beacon lights (laal batti) on their roofs. The Union Cabinet, under PM Modi, banned the use of red beacons on all vehicles. Now, only emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, police) can use beacon lights — blue for emergency, red is banned entirely for VIP use.
Pilot and Escort Vehicles
VVIP convoys may include pilot vehicles (leading the convoy) and escort vehicles (following). These vehicles typically display:
- ›"Pilot" written on the front vehicle with government plates.
- ›Escort vehicles with police/security markings.
- ›SPG (Special Protection Group) vehicles for the PM and former PMs.
- ›NSG (National Security Guard) escorts for Z+ category protectees.
Misuse and Penalties
Using fake VIP number plates, unauthorized star plates, or impersonating government officials through vehicle markings is a serious offence:
- ›Section 177 of MV Act — Fine up to ₹500 for improper registration marks.
- ›IPC Section 170 / BNS Section 203 — Impersonating a public servant: up to 2 years imprisonment.
- ›IPC Section 419 / BNS Section 318(4) — Cheating by personation: up to 3 years imprisonment.
- ›RTO can seize the vehicle and cancel registration.
- ›Several states have conducted drives against fake VIP plates.
Star Plates and Fancy Numbers
Some people use "star plates" (plates with a star symbol) or get fancy/premium registration numbers (like 0001, 7777, 9999) by paying extra to the RTO. While getting a choice number is legal by paying the prescribed fee, adding unauthorized symbols like stars, flags, or designations to your plate is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a VIP number plate?
What does the star on some number plates mean?
Can VIP vehicles break traffic rules?
Are red beacon lights still used?
What happens if I put a fake government plate on my car?
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