🚘 How Long Can You Drive a New Car Without a Number Plate in India? (2025 Reality Check)

📌 Introduction

Buying a new car is exciting! But many owners drive their brand-new vehicles without number plates for days—or even weeks—without realizing they could be breaking the law. In this blog, we explain how long you can legally drive a car without a permanent number plate in India, based on 2025 RTO rules.

📄 What is Temporary Registration (TR) Number?

Every new car sold in India must be registered either temporarily or permanently. The Temporary Registration Number (TR) is provided by the car dealer and is valid for up to 1 month (30 days) from the date of delivery.

It is usually printed on a red plate or stuck on the windshield with "TR" or "TEMP" mentioned clearly. During this period, the owner is expected to apply for a permanent registration number from the RTO.

🚫 Is It Legal to Drive Without a Number Plate?

If your vehicle has a valid temporary registration number displayed visibly (with TR paper pasted on the front and rear), it's temporarily legal. However, driving without any plate at all is illegal—even for a new car.

According to Rule 50 of CMVR 1989, every motor vehicle must display a number plate—either temporary or permanent. Failure to do so can attract a fine of ₹5,000 (first offense) and ₹10,000 (repeat offense) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2025.

🕒 How Long Do You Have to Get the Permanent Number Plate?

You must apply for a permanent number plate within 30 days of temporary registration. In most states, dealers handle this for you. But delays from the dealer or pending road tax payments can result in registration not being processed in time.

BH-Series Number Plates: If you apply for a BH series plate (Bharat Series), the rules slightly differ, but the plate must still be installed before the TR expires.

🛑 High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) Rules 2025

HSRP is mandatory for all new vehicles in India. It is a tamper-proof plate with a unique laser code. Without it, your vehicle is considered unregistered. Most RTOs won’t issue permanent registration without HSRP being installed.

📸 Caught by Cameras Even Without Being Stopped

Advanced Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are now installed on many highways and cities. If your car doesn’t show up with a number plate, you may receive a challan by SMS or mail—automatically!

✅ Tips for New Car Owners

• Always ask your dealer for TR validity and registration date.
• Keep a printed TR receipt in your vehicle until the permanent RC arrives.
• Do not remove TR sticker before the permanent number is assigned and installed.
• Don’t travel long distances or interstate with only a TR number.

❓FAQs

Can I take my new car on a road trip without number plate?

Not advisable. Interstate police may fine you or impound the vehicle, even if TR is valid.

What if my dealer delays RC processing?

Raise the issue with the dealership manager and lodge a complaint with the local RTO if needed.

🔗 Related Posts:

• How to Apply for a Learning Licence Online (2025 Guide)
• What is Green Tax and When Is It Applicable?
• How to Convert a Private Car to Commercial (2025 RTO Guide)

📢 Final Words

Don’t take RTO rules lightly—just because everyone is doing it doesn’t make it right! Use a valid TR number, follow timelines, and avoid fines by getting your permanent number plate as early as possible.

Stay updated with all RTO tips on RTO India Help blog.