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What Does An Arrow Number Plate Mean?

Arrow number plates featuring an upward-facing Broad Arrow symbol are exclusively for Indian Armed Forces vehicles and cannot be used by civilians. Unlike regular registrations issued by the Regional Transport Office, these military plates follow a distinct Ministry of Defence format, with the arrow followed by codes identifying purchase year, category, and vehicle serial number.

  • 29 Apr 2025
  • 3 min read
  • 3 views

If you live or have ever travelled near military bases or cantonment areas, especially in cities like Pune, Pathankot, Ambala, or Delhi, you might have noticed number plates with an arrow, typically on army vehicles. These ‘arrow number plates’ are unique to the Indian Armed Forces and feature an upward-facing arrow, commonly known as the Broad Arrow, a symbol dating back to British rule.

 

What is an arrow number plate?

  • These vehicle plates are strictly for defense use, meaning civilians cannot own or register their vehicle with this plate.
  • Unlike regular registrations, vehicles using arrow number plates need to follow a distinct format issued by the Ministry of Defence instead of the Regional Transport Office.
  • In these arrow number plates, the arrow features in the middle, followed by a code that identifies the year of purchase, category, and serial number of the vehicle.

 

Why it matters for you?

While military vehicles do not require car insurance, understanding different types of number plates helps differentiate official and private vehicles on the road. For civilians, having valid car insurance is mandatory under Indian law, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents, damages, or any liabilities.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.  

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