What are High Security Registration Plates (HSRP)?

Vehicle thefts have been a rising concern in India, and what made tracing the stolen vehicles difficult was tampering with or duplicating the number plate. To address this issue, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) enforced High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) — a laser-engraved number plate for vehicles with advanced safety features that can overcome the problem of plate tampering.

Let’s understand in detail what High Security Registration Plates are, their features, benefits, associated costs, and how to apply for HSRP.

What is an HSRP Number Plate?

An HSRP or a High Security Registration Plate is a government-mandated upgrade for your vehicle’s number plate. More than regulatory formality, it ensures that your number plates are more secure against tampering. Below are the key features of an HSR

• The plate is made with durable aluminium and retro-reflective sheets. It contains a chromium-based hot-stamped Ashok Chakra hologram. It must measure 20 mm both in length and width.
• HSRPs have a laser-etched unique PIN (Permanent Identification Number) of 10 digits.
• To enhance security, HSRPs have snap-lock features and integrated RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) — a microchip with all crucial details of your vehicle, and it is linked to the government’s database.

A High Security Registration Plate is mandated under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, for all vehicles. Although officially introduced in 2001, the widespread enforcement of HSRP happened in April 2019 after the rule’s robust implementation. Since April 2019, all new vehicles must come with factory-fitted HSRPs, while the old ones must apply for an HSRP. Failing to do so may come with penalties and other consequences.

What is an HSRP Color-Coded Sticker?

Other than upgraded security features, HSRPs will also have color-coded stickers to indicate vital information about your car and other vehicles. The colors of these stickers are codes or indications of vehicle types.

Benefits of HSRP registration

Imagine getting your car stolen, and while you file a report and expect authorities to track your stolen car, the thieves have already changed the number plate. But with HSRP, there’s a resolution.

• These plates have retro-reflective sheeting, which makes it easier to detect if there's some tampering with your vehicle’s number plate.
• Additionally, the non-reusable snap locks add extra security. They break when attempting to remove the plates.
• The Ashok Chakra hologram also helps to identify if the vehicle’s number plate is an original one or a duplicated, forged plate.
• The RFID technology and unique PIN make it easier to track down the vehicles, especially if your car gets stolen.

How to apply for HSRP number plate?

Since it is mandatory to have HSRPs for both old and new vehicles from April 2019, if you own a car without an HSRP, you must apply for one.

Steps to Apply for a High Security Registration Plate.

Step 1: Open the official website of Book My HSRP.
Step 2: Once you go to the website, it displays the option of booking a ‘High Security Registration Plate with Colour Sticker’.
Step 3: After you select the above option, a new page opens up where you will have to fill in details like the vehicle’s registration number, engine number, chassis number, etc. Step by step, a new page opens up asking for further details.
Step 4: On the next page, you will enter the fitment location and then, in the next step, the appointment slot. Finally, check the ‘booking summary’ and verify details before making a payment.
Step 5: After you make the payment, download the receipt and carry it when you go to the fitment location on the appointed date for getting HSRP installed.

Cost of High Security Registration Plate

The cost of HSRP may vary depending on the type of your vehicle, as well as other factors such as the state you live in. For two-wheelers, it may range between Rs. 200-600, while for cars, it can be between Rs. 4,600-1,500. Extra charges of about Rs. 100 may be applicable if you want color-coded HSRPs.

What Happens if I Don’t Apply for HSRP? Check Out The Penalties!

As the government has already made it mandatory to get HSRPs for your vehicles, not applying for and not getting one will be considered an offence. All states have given deadlines to the vehicle owners, by which time they must apply for an HSRP and get it installed. For your non-compliance with the rule of High Security Registration Plates, you may face penalties and other legal repercussions. While the fine can go up to as high as Rs. 10,000, you may be denied RTO services like ownership transfer, registration renewal or even a PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate.

Conclusion

High Security Registration Plates enhance your vehicle’s security with easy identification and tracking. It helps in law enforcement, reduces theft, plate tampering, and other such malpractices. Moreover, it brings a sort of design uniformity to number plates, whereas the colored stickers denote the vehicle type. Ensure that you get the HSRP for your car or bike without exceeding the deadline in your state. It is more than a legal requirement — an upgrade to the older plate with increased safety.

FAQs on HSRP number plate