Details and Features of the New High-Security Registration Plates

Ever wondered why the vehicle number plates looked different in shapes and fonts from region to region? You may also recall seeing movies where a makeshift mechanic in its small setup would effortlessly forge number plates from one vehicle to another.

Well, all of that has since changed when a new law was introduced by Ministry of Road Transport that mandated a new regime of High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) – by the vehicle manufacturers, from April 2019.

What transforms a regular registration plate to a high-security registration plate is a host of technical features. To protect against counterfeiting, a chromium-based hologram containing the Ashoka Chakra in blue is applied by hot stamping on the top left-hand corner of the plate on both front and rear plates. If you look closely, you will find that the letters and numerals of the license number on the plate are layered with a film bearing “INDIA” on it. This mark is carefully placed in the manner prescribed by the Ministry, with sequential lines being the mirror image of the other. Unlike bolts or rivets used for non-HSRP, snap locks are used to affix HSRP for all vehicles. These locks are much superior to bolts/rivets. Once snap locks are removed from an HSRP already affixed onto the vehicle, the plate is rendered useless. This feature alone will go a long way in putting a stop to registration plate forging and affixation through unauthorized means.

Another interesting feature of the plates is the laser branded identification (LID) numbers printed on the left -hand side of the front and rear plates that make HSRPs uniquely identifiable. These LIDs are electronically linked to the vehicle over the Vahan portal, thus marrying the HSRP with the vehicle. Each time the HSRP is replaced on the vehicle, the details of the same are uploaded on Vahan.

Records of HSRPs manufactured, fitted onto the vehicle and removed are available at all times with the vehicle manufacturer. 

The third registration plate, also known as the third registration mark or colour coded sticker is a self-destructive type chromium-based hologram affixed on the inner side of the left-hand corner of the windshield of the vehicle. Yes, it is only applicable to vehicles with a windshield. Therefore, all two-wheelers are only fitted with the front and rear HSRP. The coloured sticker in turn carries information on registration as well as details of the LID numbers. 

The colour-coded sticker is at the centerstage, particularly with the Delhi & Uttar Pradesh Transport Departments. A lot of attention and focus is being given to the colour coded stickers as they have become the key element in identification of vehicle fuel type. While Petrol/CNG vehicles are recognised through a blue sticker, diesel is identified through orange and other fuel types through grey. Interestingly, while the apex court has been monitoring the fitment of colour-coded stickers in the NCR region, the colour coded stickers are applicable nationwide. So effectively, all vehicles manufactured after 1st April 2019 already come affixed with the coloured sticker. The colour-coded stickers for India are derived from the Paris model for differentiation vehicles of different fuels on days of severe air quality, under the Graded Action Plan for NCR. 

To this effect, the Transport Department had issued orders that made it mandatory for OEM-authorised dealers to carry out the fitment of HSRP / coloured stickers for existing vehicles in Delhi, i.e. vehicles manufactured prior to 1st April 2019. However, due to the lack of clarity on processes and established mechanisms, public grievances increased substantially. The Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Govt. of Delhi, took interest in the matter to streamline the existing processes. With the gradual engagement of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the booking processes, scheduling responsibility, issues of over crunching and over-pricing, fleecing of customers due to delays were all thrashed out and streamlined into one holistic process. Today, SIAM website is recognised by the Delhi Transport Department for the fitment of HSRP and stickers for existing vehicles in Delhi. All bookings for HSRP in Delhi can be made from www.siam.in.

What is noteworthy here is that if your vehicle has the HSRP fitted, necessary provisions have been made to apply only for the colour coded sticker alone. 

Harnessing SIAM’s experience in the matter, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has also worked out the modalities of HSRP and sticker fitment with SIAM for its state. It is expected that the same would be rolled out anytime now.   

Furthermore, in view of the pandemic situation, the option of Fitment-At-Home has also been provided. 

SIAM is an association working towards supporting the sustainable development of the Indian Automobile Industry. The facilitation of the HSRP regime is one of its many engagements towards building the nation, responsibly. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house