Color Coded Fuel Sticker: Everything You Need to Know
India’s fight against rising air pollution has led to the adoption of colour-coded fuel stickers — an essential compliance step for vehicle owners. These stickers, tied to your vehicle’s fuel type and emission level, help regulatory authorities manage traffic and pollution levels, especially in urban centers like Delhi NCR. Whether you're buying a car, applying for a car loan or even used car loan, or just staying compliant, understanding these stickers is critical.
Table of Contents
What Are Colour-Coded Stickers for Fuel?
Why Are Colour-Coded Stickers Important?
How to Get a Colour-Coded Sticker
Documents Required to Get a Colour-Coded Sticker
Colour-Coded Stickers and Their Meaning
What Is the Purpose of the Stickers?
Key Takeaways
Color-coded fuel stickers are mandatory tags that identify a vehicle's fuel type.
They are essential for pollution monitoring and policy enforcement.
These are majorly used in regions like Delhi NCR which fall under pollution control norms.
HSRP (High Security Registration Plates) now require matching fuel stickers.
Stickers vary in color and eligibility, including special ones for doctors and MLAs.
Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines, especially in Delhi and NCR.
You can apply for the sticker online via authorized HSRP portals.
If you're purchasing a second-hand vehicle, ensure the previous owner has complied with fuel sticker rules. Not doing so may delay registration.
What Are Colour-Coded Stickers for Fuel?
Color-coded fuel stickers are reflective adhesive labels affixed on the windshields of vehicles. These stickers indicate the fuel type of a vehicle.
Light Blue: Petrol and CNG vehicles
Orange: Diesel vehicles
These stickers complement High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and are mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. These Colour-Coded Stickers play a key role in the enforcement of vehicle usage bans during high pollution periods.
Why Are Colour-Coded Stickers Important?
The primary importance of these stickers lies in regulatory enforcement and pollution control:
- Quick Identification: Helps traffic police and enforcement officers distinguish petrol/CNG vehicles from diesel.
- Compliance with GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) in Delhi-NCR.
- Pollution Emergency Management: Diesel vehicles may be restricted during smog events; stickers help segregate violators.
These stickers are part of a broader eco-policy initiative. Just like getting car insurance online is mandatory for road safety, sticker compliance is critical for environmental safety..
Pro Tip: Having your color-coded sticker along with your HSRP is now mandatory in many urban zones.
Enforcement and Penalties for absence of Colour-Coded Stickers
Though rolled out first in Delhi NCR, enforcement is catching on in other metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Penalties:
- Up to ₹10,000 fine as per the amended Motor Vehicles Act
- Immediate challans during smog emergencies or high AQI alerts
- Police or RTOs may seize vehicles lacking valid HSRP and fuel sticker
- Doctor sticker for car and MLA sticker for car are often used to denote exempted personnel but do not replace the requirement for fuel stickers or HSRPs.
How to Get a Colour-Coded Sticker
Step-by-Step Process:
· Visit the official HSRP website for your state or BookMyHSRP.com
- Enter vehicle details – registration number, chassis number, engine number
- Select sticker option (with or without plate)
- Choose appointment slot or home delivery
- Pay online (usually ₹100–₹150 for sticker)
- Receive sticker with QR code and hologram
Documents Required to Get a Colour-Coded Sticker
- Vehicle RC
- Valid ID proof
- Payment receipt
State Variations: Maharashtra and Karnataka have different portals. Piramal Finance customers can get guidance during vehicle financing.
Colour Coded Stickers and Their Meaning
Sticker Color |
Fuel Type / Usage |
Vehicle Class / Purpose |
Light Blue |
Petrol / CNG |
Private / Commercial |
Orange |
Diesel |
Private / Commercial |
Green (Special) |
Electric |
State-wise usage |
Red (Doctor) |
For medical personnel |
Emergency exemption |
Violet (MLA) |
For legislators |
VIP access in secured zones |
Stickers like doctor sticker for car and mla sticker for car are not substitutes for fuel stickers. They denote designation, not fuel compliance.
What Is the Purpose of the Stickers?
The core purpose of colour-coded stickers is:
- Visual classification: Fuel and BS stage
- Regulatory filtering: Bans on certain vehicle types during smog alerts
- Compliance aid: For traffic police, pollution boards, and citizens
- Eco-awareness: Educate users about emission norms
“Colour-coded stickers are like a public badge of environmental compliance.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you're applying for a petrol sticker for car or exploring doctor/MLA vehicle designation, compliance is key. Piramal Finance supports customers in staying up-to-date with motor laws and documentation—while offering affordable car loans, vehicle refinancing, and insurance support.
Related Terms
High Security Registration Plate (HSRP)
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
Vehicle Fitness and Emission Compliance
Delhi Transport Authority Guidelines