High Security Registration Plates are mandatory since 2022, yet violations continue

Even though High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) were made mandatory by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) since 2022, a drive on the roads of the National Capital shows rampant violations of the same by many vehicles, be it cars, buses, auto-rickshaws or bikes, despite hefty challans of up to Rs 10,000 in force by the Delhi Police. A transport and traffic expert said that around 40 per cent of vehicles made prior to 2019, in Delhi, do not comply with the HSRP rule.

The MoRTH had notified the HSRP in December 2018. The unique HSRP is linked electronically to the vehicle after its affixation, and comes embedded with a chromium-based Ashoka Chakra symbol in a blue-coloured hologram.

As per the guidelines of the Union Ministry, all motor vehicle owners must install an HSRP. All vehicles purchased after the year 2019 already have the HSRP installed.

Mahesh Malhotra, Secretary of the Association of Registration Plate Manufacturers of India (ARPMI) revealed while there are guidelines to implement the same, real action is missing on the ground.

“Under the Section 50 of CMVA (Central Motor Vehicles Act 1989), all vehicles after 1 April 2019 will be fitted with the HSRP at the time of the registration.  With these provisions, all vehicles in Delhi after the said date have near 100 per cent compliance. However, vehicles prior to the date of order have not met with more than 40 per cent compliance,” he stated, adding that although it is mandated by the law, the HSRP are also helpful to the vehicle owners.

One can easily distinguish between an ordinary number plate and an HSRP. Its distinctive design aids law enforcement in tracking and identifying vehicles, reducing vehicle thefts and fraud. It is also impossible to make counterfeit plates, which enhances authenticity and prevents fraudulent activities.

Unlike conventional plates, the HSRPs are difficult to remove, alter, or tamper with. Their non-reusable and non-removable locking system significantly reduces the risk of vehicle theft. However, due to the lack of strict implementation on the ground, many vehicles still have old number plates affixed.

The Delhi Traffic Police department stated, “As per order of MoRTH, HSRP plates are necessary for all vehicles-new and old-from 2022. Licence plates that are manufactured after April 2019 already have HSRP elements. After 2022, High Security Number Plates were compulsory to be obtained online or offline for cars that were bought before April 2019.”

However, despite the hefty fine of up to Rs 10,000 for the non-adherence of the same, the situation on the ground remains as such that those vehicles roam freely on the roads of Delhi without any fear of any challans.

A traffic police source said that they avoid penalising such vehicles because the issue of licensing falls with the Delhi transport government and they have to lay down the guidelines properly to ensure action.