|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In India, license plates, commonly called bike number plates or registration plates, are a fundamental component of every motor vehicle. They serve many crucial functions, such as vehicle identification, tracking, and enforcing traffic regulations. The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 states that all vehicles must possess a number plate.
What is a bike number plate?
In India, a bike number or registration plate is a legal identification number on a motorcycle’s front and rear.
What is an HSRP Plate?
High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) represent a specialised category of number plates introduced in India with the primary objective of bolstering vehicle security. It also helps in curbing counterfeiting and unauthorised replication of registration plates. HSRP plates are now compulsory for all new vehicles in India. In certain states, they are mandatory for existing vehicles as part of a government-led initiative to standardise and enhance vehicle identification security.
Is the HSRP plate mandatory on bikes?
All the new motorcycles now come with HSRP number plates as standard while buying from the showroom, and that responsibility now belongs to dealers. The manufacturers of vehicles fix plates that cannot be removed or reused at the front and back of the vehicle before it is delivered to the dealers. So, HSRP is mandatory for new bikes, but this is not mandatory for older motorcycles.
What is the format of the HSRP plate?
State Code: The initial component of the High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) comprises a two-letter state code that denotes the respective state or union territory. For instance, “DL” represents Delhi, “MH” stands for Maharashtra, and “KA” signifies Karnataka.
Unique Identification Number (UIN): After the state code, a unique identification number (UIN) is there for each HSRP, which is specific to the vehicle and is distinctive.
Security Hologram: The HSRP plate is typically adorned with a chromium-based hot-stamped hologram on the left-hand side (top corner) of the plate, which is one of the security features aimed at preventing counterfeiting.
Ashoka Chakra Symbol: The Ashoka Chakra symbol, inspired by the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, is frequently on the HSRP plate. It is a circular symbol with 24 spokes and is a prominent feature of the Indian national flag.
IND Font: The letters and numbers on HSRP plates are in the Indian Number Plate (IND) typeface, which is a standard font for number plates in India.
Retro-Reflective Material: HSRP plates contain retro-reflective material, which enhances visibility at night when light falls on the plate. This feature is crucial for road safety.
Snap Lock: HSRP plates have a unique snap lock mechanism, making it arduous to remove or replace the plate without causing damage.
What are the security features of the HSRP plate?
HSRP plates incorporate several security features to prevent counterfeiting, including:
- A hot-stamped hologram with the words “INDIA” and “CHAKRA” on it.
- Laser-etched letters and numbers for non-altering.
- Tamper-resistant snap locks for attaching the plates to the vehicle.
- Use of retro-reflective material for improved visibility at night.
What are the different colours of number plates?
White: A license plate of white colour with black text indicates that the vehicle is privately owned and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Yellow: A yellow license plate with black letters signifies that the vehicle is used for business purposes, such as taxis or cabs. To operate these vehicles on public roads, a formal permit is required.
Blue: Vehicles driven by foreign representatives or diplomats display blue license plates. The text on these plates is white rather than black, and they bear the code of the diplomat’s country instead of India’s states.
Black: Commercial vehicles with black license plates and yellow writing are privately owned but rented out for business use. However, in such cases, a commercial driving permit is not mandatory.
Red: Vehicles transporting the President of India and State Governors have red license plates. Instead of a license plate number, these cars feature the gold-embossed Indian Emblem.
Upward Arrow: Military vehicles utilise a unique identification system where the number comes with a broad arrow. These plates include digits indicating the year of purchase and registration with the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi.
How to apply for HSRP Plate?
Currently, we can get an HSRP plate online via https://bookmyhsrp.com in some selected states in India. The selected states are Andaman And Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Daman & Diu, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Individuals who live in other states must apply for an HSRP by visiting the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Can I change the bike number plate?
No, HSRP number plates cannot be changed. If it is damaged, it must be replaced by either vehicle dealers or authorised authorities like local RTO. If it is a non-HSRP number plate, it must change to an HSRP plate on your motorcycle. But this is not mandatory.
Can I change the bike registration number?
No, once assigned for a bike, the registration number is permanent. But if you are moving to a different state or union territory, you can apply for a new registration number. This typically involves surrendering old number plates and using new ones through the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your new location.
Can we ride a bike without a number plate?
No, As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is obligatory for all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, to possess a number plate both at the front and the rear of the bike in India.
Can we use a new bike without a number plate?
No, all the new bikes come from showrooms or dealers with HSRP plates pre-installed, and it is illegal to remove and ride the motorcycle on the roads.
Can you drive a new bike without a number plate?
No, all the new bikes come from showrooms or dealers with HSRP plates pre-installed. Removing the number plate and riding a motorcycle on the roads is illegal.
Can we track bike location by number plate?
No, we cannot track the live location of the motorcycle. Still, we can get the bike and vehicle owner details by visiting the official website of VAHAN. VAHAN database includes information from RTOs and DTOs. Therefore, you can search for the details from any state or Union Territories (UT).
How long does it take to get a number plate for a new bike?
No separate time is there to get the number plate; as of now, the HSRP plate comes with your new motorcycle in your showroom. Please note that after the initial registration paperwork for your bike is complete, the number plate is available on your bike.
When will I get the number plate on the bike after registration?
The HSRP plate comes pre-fitted with your new motorcycle in your showroom. Please note that after the initial registration paperwork for your bike is complete, the number plate is available on your bike.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have discussed number plates, rules, HSRP plates, etc., in-depth, and common doubts about number plates. If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
