Find out more about India's requirement for vehicles to have High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Explore their importance, implementation deadlines, rules, and consequences for non-compliance.
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Your vehicle number plate may seem like a small and insignificant part of your car or bike, but it actually holds a lot of importance. Not only does it serve as a unique identifier for your vehicle, but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring road safety and following regulations.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about your vehicle number plate, also known as the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP).
What is an HSRP?
Understanding the Basics
The High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is a standardized number plate that is mandatory for all vehicles in India. It was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2005 to curb vehicle theft and improve road safety.
The HSRP is made of aluminum and has a reflective sheeting on the front and back. It also has a chromium-based hologram and a laser-branded permanent identification number. This makes it difficult to tamper with or duplicate the number plate.
Why is it Important?
The HSRP serves as a unique identifier for your vehicle, making it easier for authorities to track and identify your vehicle in case of theft or any other illegal activity. It also helps in maintaining a database of all registered vehicles in the country.
Moreover, the reflective sheeting on the number plate makes it easier for other drivers to spot your vehicle on the road, especially at night. This improves road safety and reduces the chances of accidents.
Do I Need to Change My Old Vehicle Number Plate?
The Deadline for HSRP Implementation
The government has made it mandatory for all vehicles to have an HSRP by April 2022. This means that if your vehicle does not have an HSRP, you will need to get it changed before the deadline.
How to Get Your Old Number Plate Changed?
If your vehicle does not have an HSRP, you can get it changed by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). You will need to submit your vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), insurance documents, and a copy of your Aadhaar card.
You will also need to pay a fee for the new number plate, which varies depending on the type of vehicle. Once the process is complete, you will receive a new HSRP with a unique identification number for your vehicle.
What are the Regulations for Vehicle Number Plates?
Size and Font
As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the size of the number plate for two-wheelers should be 200mm x 100mm, while for four-wheelers, it should be 340mm x 200mm. The font used on the number plate should be the standard “IND” font, which is a combination of English and Hindi letters.
Color and Material
The background color of the number plate should be white for private vehicles and yellow for commercial vehicles. The font color should be black for both types of vehicles.
The number plate should be made of aluminum and have a reflective sheeting on the front and back. The letters and numbers on the plate should be embossed, and the plate should have a chromium-based hologram and a laser-branded permanent identification number.
Placement on the Vehicle
The number plate should be placed on the front and back of the vehicle, with the front plate on the right side and the back plate on the left side. The plate should be securely fastened and should not be obstructed by any part of the vehicle.
Is it Necessary to Put a Number Plate on the Front of the Vehicle?
The Debate on Front Number Plates
There has been a lot of debate on whether it is necessary to have a number plate on the front of the vehicle. Some argue that it is not necessary as it can obstruct the view of the driver and affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
However, the government has made it mandatory to have a number plate on the front of the vehicle for identification and tracking purposes. Moreover, it is a safety measure as it makes it easier for other drivers to identify your vehicle on the road.
What are the RTO Number Plate Rules for Two-Wheelers?
The Deadline for HSRP Implementation for Two-Wheelers
The government has set a deadline of October 2021 for all two-wheelers to have an HSRP. This means that if your bike does not have an HSRP, you will need to get it changed before the deadline.
How to Get Your Bike Number Plate Changed?
To get your bike’s number plate changed, you will need to visit your nearest RTO and submit your bike’s registration certificate (RC), insurance documents, and a copy of your Aadhaar card. You will also need to pay a fee for the new number plate.
What Happens if I Don’t Get My Number Plate Changed?
Consequences of Not Having an HSRP
If you fail to get your vehicle’s number plate changed before the deadline, you may face legal consequences. You may be fined for not following the regulations and may even have your vehicle impounded.
Moreover, not having an HSRP can also make it difficult for you to sell your vehicle in the future, as the new owner will need to get the number plate changed before they can register the vehicle in their name.
Conclusion
The High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is an important aspect of your vehicle that serves as a unique identifier and improves road safety. It is mandatory for all vehicles to have an HSRP, and failure to comply with the regulations may result in legal consequences.
If your vehicle does not have an HSRP, make sure to get it changed before the deadline to avoid any inconvenience. Remember to follow the regulations for size, font, color, and placement of the number plate to ensure compliance with the RTO rules.
By understanding the importance of your vehicle number plate and following the regulations, you can contribute to making the roads safer for everyone.
