Kerala began issuing licences to rent-a-car companies in 2015 under the Union government's 1989 Rent-a-Cab Scheme. Licensed rent-a-car vehicles are required to display black number plates with yellow lettering. The Motor Vehicles Department can impose penalties on both owners and users of such privately rented vehicles. Licensed rent-a-car vehicles are permitted to operate anywhere in India. Operators wishing to open branches in other states must obtain approval from the respective state's Motor Vehicles Department.