New Delhi: If you spot a vehicle with a green and blue number plate soon, don’t be surprised. It could be a hydrogen-powered car. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a new set of dual-colour High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for vehicles running on hydrogen fuel. The move is meant to make these vehicles easily recognisable and encourage more adoption of clean energy transport.
A draft notification (GSR 417E) was released on 25 June 2025, which lays down the exact colour combinations based on the type of vehicle — private, commercial, or rental. It also mentions that colour specifications must follow AIS 159 standards.
Hydrogen cars to stand out with new dual-colour number plates in India
Hydrogen cars will now stand out with split-colour number plates
Under the new proposal, each hydrogen-fueled vehicle will carry a number plate with a split colour background. But the colour of the digits and the top-bottom half of the plate will change based on what kind of service the vehicle offers.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the new format:
- Private hydrogen vehicles: Green top, blue bottom, white figures
- Commercial hydrogen vehicles: Green top, blue bottom, yellow figures
- Rental hydrogen vehicles (like cabs): Black top, blue bottom, yellow figures
This new scheme is expected to help in quick roadside identification. Whether it’s traffic checks or entry into restricted green zones, the unique design could simplify matters for enforcement agencies.
Why green and blue?
Green has been widely used to mark electric or clean energy vehicles in India. Blue is being added here, possibly to differentiate hydrogen vehicles from battery EVs that already use plain green plates. This dual-tone scheme could act like a visual shortcut — green for eco-friendliness, blue hinting at hydrogen technology.
For instance, battery EVs have green number plates with white figures for private use and yellow figures for commercial vehicles. Now, hydrogen cars will get a green-and-blue combo to stand apart.
What it means for buyers and automakers
Right now, hydrogen vehicles are still rare in India. Models like the Toyota Mirai, which is being used for pilot projects, and buses running on hydrogen fuel cells in a few cities, are the only examples. But this notification hints that the government is getting ready for more mainstream adoption.
Carmakers testing hydrogen prototypes or fuel-cell technology for the Indian market could see this as a sign of intent from the Centre. It sets the stage for clearer regulation, which has been missing so far.
It’s also a signal for states to prepare their RTOs and enforcement teams. And for us on the road, it’ll soon be easier to spot the early adopters of hydrogen mobility — no need to look under the hood.
Not just a cosmetic change
The HSRP colour changes are part of a wider effort to support India’s clean fuel goals. Identifying vehicle types based on fuel helps in formulating separate policies for toll waivers, traffic benefits, or taxation slabs. It also becomes useful in long-term planning for fuel stations, scrappage incentives, or low-emission zones in urban areas.
If the dual-colour format gets final approval, car manufacturers and owners will have to comply as per the final rollout plan. Hydrogen vehicles already face supply and infrastructure challenges, but a defined identity could give them the public visibility they need.