By November 17, every vehicle registered in the state prior to April 1, 2019, must have High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Failure to comply with the order aimed at standardizing registration plates of all vehicles across the country to put an end to tampering with number plates to commit crimes, according to a circular issued by the transport department.
It will result in fines of up to Rs 1,000 and action against incorrect vehicle owners. The circular released on August 18 indicated that HSRP will be applied to older vehicles by authorized dealers of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Vehicle owners will be required to schedule appointments for the installation of new license plates and make payments through OEM-approved websites. Vehicle owners can use the portals to find the nearest dealer and schedule an appointment to have their license plates repaired at their leisure. The fees for number plates and registration on the HSRP site should be displayed in showrooms by OEMs or their dealers.
Authorized HSRP manufacturers must guarantee that the number plate image is uploaded to the HSRP portal and that the laser code is updated on the VAHAN portal. Those selling and supplying HSRP without the approval of OEMs will face legal action. The circular said that owners of cars with fixed imitation of HSRP or look similar plates should use authorized HSRP to avoid penalties.
According to transportation officials, approximately two crore automobiles were registered in the state prior to 2019. Vehicle transfers, address changes, duplicate RCs and fitness certificates, insurance policy renewals, and other activities will be permitted only after HSRP confirmation. Vehicle owners will be made aware of the need to comply. HSRP is likely to be approximately Rs 300 for two-wheelers and Rs 500 for four-wheelers.
