Telangana has joined the list of a handful of Indian states that made High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) mandatory. What are these number plates, how do they differ from existing plates and why is the state government enforcing the new rule now? Find out here.
What is HSRP?
A High Security Registration Plate (HRSP) is made of aluminium and comes with built-in security features. Each plate bears a chromium-based 3D hologram and a laser-etched code. The HSRP also has a feature to indicate the emission standards of the vehicle. For Bharat Stage 6 vehicles, a green strip is added to the number plate. The HRSP should also be accompanied by a sticker. The color-coded sticker should be pasted on the windshield of the vehicles to convey the fuel type.
Why is Telangana implementing this now?
Apart from complying with a Supreme Court order, the government's end goal is to prevent vehicle thefts, ensure standardization for all vehicles, and make it easier to trace vehicles involved in crimes. The HSRP’s are harder to duplicate or tamper with and bring uniformity to number plates of all types of vehicles. Though the central government had laid down the guidelines years ago, states have been rolling it out in phases. Telangana’s transport department has now made it mandatory for all old vehicles to get HSRPs before the deadline of September 30, 2025.
Who should get HSRP installed and How to get it?
All the owners who have registered their two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers prior to April 1, 2019, should get HSRPs for their vehicles. Owners can visit the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) website, enter their vehicle details, choose a slot and location, pay online and get the new plate affixed at an authorized center. The process has been made simple as there is also a feature to send timely updates through SMS. The average price of. a plate would be between ₹320 and ₹800. The vehicles registered after April 1, 2019 in Telangana are by default fitted with the HSRP.
What is the origin of this idea?
The HSRP initiative goes two decades back when the Centre amended motor vehicle rules to introduce tamper-proof number plates. While implementation was marked by delays for years, states like Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra have enforced it strictly. Telangana is now following suit.
What happens if HSRP is avoided?
The government through an order has instructed concerned officials to impose fines on violators. There can be other potential legal issues too if not complied with. The government has made it clear there will be no transactions with vehicles without these types of number plates. Pollution certificates and insurance will also be denied to vehicles without HSRP.
