Number plate types, Tamil Nadu

gertie

Hiya,

I'm not sure if this is best posted here or in the TN forum - mods feel free to move it.

I am confused about the different number plate types in TN. Currently, we have a leased vehicle (with a driver) and the number plate is black lettering on a yellow background.

I desperately want to be able to drive myself, but I'm told I can't drive with these number plates. We have been asked to pay to change the plates to yellow lettering on a black background.

Does anyone know what the different plate types/colours are, and what they mean?

I just want to check before I fork out another wad of cash!!

Gertie

capt_mahajan

Rules differ statewise. But I think you may have what would be classified as a taxi right now, and the changed number plates would denote a private car.

At least thats what I guess.

gertie

Thanks Capt, thought it might be something like that, commercial vehicle, hire car etc.
I think private plates here are black lettering on a white background, so I'm not sure about the ones we are being given.

Gertie

Psychosaint

Anywhere in India
*Private Vehicles have black lettering on white background
*Commercial Vehicles have black lettering on yellow background
*Star Hotel Cars which only serve hotel's customers have yellow lettering on black background - not sure about this !!
So if you want to drive you have to hire a Private Vehicle as you will need commercial vehicle driving license to drive a commercial vehicle

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Nick-H

Yes, black-on-white is normal private, that's what we have.

Yellow plate means taxi/travels car.

Yellow on black neither of us have seen and don't know.

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shashank.aggarwal

This is correct !! you can only drive vehicles with white plates and black letters...

for other two you need commercial vehicle license..

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moo

To get a commercial licence you need to prove your ability to drive a vehicle on two wheels, be it a bus or any other vehicle . . .

gertie

Hi all,

I'm still having trouble with this one.

What is a Star Hotel Class vehicle?

Now the leasing company tell me I can't drive an SUV with the yellow on black plates (we currently have a Chevrolet Tavera) and that I'll have to take a smaller vehicle.

I'm also told I can't have black and white plates and be insured. They say insurance is only available on vehicles with the yellow on black plates.

I'm so confused and that this has taken so long and they are still screwing me around. Can anyone clarify?

Moo, I don't want to drive anything with TWO wheels, I prefer four! And if it makes any difference, I'm licensed in Australia to drive a bus up to 18 seats and a truck to 12 tonnes.

Gertie

Nick-H

The leasing company is probably only set up to rent out car-with-driver. I really don't think there is much self-drive here (must be some?).

I have very little knowledge about the insurance situation, except that it seems to go with the car, and be for any driver by default (my very small experience). But I guess commercial use is going to be different.

Maybe you'll end up having to by yourself one!

Dilliwala

Gertie,
A few points are not clear from your post. Do u already have an Indian licence or an Intl Driving Permit? If not, u need to get a licence first. That u can get by signing up with a driving school.
U can ONLY drive a car with private plates (b-on-w), as others have already said. Forget about everything else. Don't even think of paying anyone anything for getting the plates on that car changed - if u are not the owner, exactly how do u think it's poss? Sounds like someone's out to fleece u.

If u are 'unofficially' allowed to drive the leased vehicle, that's different. But that's unofficial. U'll be surprised (or maybe not) about all the unofficial stuff we desis get away with, but I'm guessing you're a paleface, in other words, u have a big sign on your forehead that says to the cops - HIT ME (up for a bribe). If your driver is teaching his nephew to drive and gets caught, he'll get away with it for a few bucks. U won't - they'll want the same numbers, but in Dollar/Euro/Pound equivalent. If it's a question of initially getting used to traffic and road conditions ask your driver if he'll let u practise near the outskirts of town.
This is the best poss w/o buying your own car.

Nick-H

My guess is that it must be possible to re-register a commercial vehicle as a private. What happens when a travels company car comes to the end of its hiring life and is sold off? (OK, "it falls to pieces" is probably the answer to that one; or "never" for an Ambassador!).

But, I pick hairs... I also don't imagine that any commercial company is going to re-register so that a short-term client can drive the vehicle. Probably would be a bureaucratic nightmare.

I do think that buying a car may be the best option; but a company such as City Limouzines might lease for private drive

Ahhh... yes:See their site

gertie

Hiya,

Just to clarify and to share my experience.

Yep, I have an international driving permit.

And yes, I am permitted to drive on a plate other than black and white. The problem with b&w plates is that you can't get comprehensive insurance. The limited insurance you CAN get only pays out in INR, which makes getting it out of the country a problem.

New plates have been introduced very recently (in the last couple of months) which have yellow lettering on black background. If I drive with these plates, which I am permitted to do on an international permit, I am able to obtain comprehensive insurance which will pay out in US dollars.

So, the company weren't trying to screw me, and I'm now happily pootling around chennai!

Gertie

Nick-H

I have comprehensive insurance...

Dilliwala

Of course it is, but requires change of ownership, as I hinted at. Not really worth it for a few months?

Best car ever built in this country - by a long stretch.

Didn't know of City Limouzines, must check whether they or similar cos. exist in Del.

So did u have to pay for the change in plate colours?

Dilliwala

You're a resident and therefore entitled to be treated as other desis. There's a classic term for you, one of the best desi officialdom has to offer - "deemed Indian".