What Is a High Security Number Plate

NEW DELHI: Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) mandated all vehicles to have a high security registration plate (HSRP) that have been sold before April 2019. On Tuesday, the Delhi Transport Department began fining the vehicles without HSRP and colour-coded fuel stickers. The violators should be fined Rs 10,000 under the amended Motor Vehicle Act, but the fine has been compounded to Rs 5,500.
TOI Auto explains briefly what an HSRP means and why has it been made mandatory by the Central Govt.
What is HSRP?
A high security registration plate is made up of aluminium and is fixed on the vehicle using two non-reusable locks. The registration plate comes with a hot-stamped chromium-based hologram of Ashoka Chakra on the top left corner which is blue in colour and precisely measures 20mm x 20mm. At the bottom left corner of the plate is a 10-digit PIN (permanent identification number) that is laser-engraved on the reflective sheet.
Similarly, the HSRP also comes with a hot-stamped film applied on the registration numerals and letters bearing the inscription 'India' at a 45-degree angle. Once the unique registration is fixed, it is then electronically linked to the vehicle.

Colour-coded sticker sample

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Why is HSRP mandatory and what are its benefits?
The primary reason behind this mandate is that the old number plates are quite easy to tamper with and can be taken out or switched easily. A stolen vehicle always ends up with a replaced registration plate, making it difficult for the authorities to track it down, but the HSRPs come with a non-removable snap-on lock and are quite difficult to replace.
The HSRPs are also beneficial because essential details of a car including engine number and chassis number are stored in a centralized database. The stored data along with the 10-digit PIN becomes crucial in identifying a stolen car.
The HSRPs are fixed by automobile dealerships and state authority-approved private vendors. The HSRPs are only issued once the vehicle owner passes on essential details like engine number and chassis number. This procedure is quite useful in preventing the counterfeiting of the registration plates.
The authorities have also addressed the issue of incomprehensible registration plates as owners end up using different fonts and other additions and make it difficult for the traffic police to read the plates. The HSRPs have a uniform pattern, therefore eliminating the entire issue.

A colour-coded fuel sticker being fixed

How much does HSRP cost?
The central govt has not capped the price of HSRP which means the cost could differ in various states. On average, the HSRP costs around Rs 400 for two-wheelers, up to Rs 1,100 for four-wheelers depending on the category. The colour-coded stickers can be fitted for Rs 100 for vehicles with an HSRP.
Where can the HSRPs be purchased?
For vehicle owners in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, bookmyhsrp.com is a dedicated portal to purchase HSRP and colour-coded fuel stickers. The website has been authorized by the govt to provide HSRPs. Information like vehicle registration number, chassis number, and engine number will be needed to book an appointment.
As for the other states, not many have announced an enforcement drive like the UP and Delhi govt. The best way to purchase an HSRP and colour-coded sticker is through the RTOs.
Another way to purchase HSRPs is through authorized auto dealers, but it is to be noted that many dealerships are still not authorized to carry out the procedure and the best way would be to check your respective State Transport Department's web portal for any such information.
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What Is a High Security Number Plate

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/news/govt-makes-high-security-registration-plate-mandatory-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/79739277.cms

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