HSRPs have replaced the normal number plates that we have seen in older vehicles. HSRP full form is High-Security Registration Plate. They are made of aluminium and are fixed onto the vehicles using reusable snap-on locks.

Unlike a normal registration plate, an HSRP contains a hot-stamped chromium-based 20mm by 20mm Ashok Chakra hologram on the top left corner. Then, there is a 10-digit Permanent Identification Number (PIN) of the HSRP number plate, which is laser branded below the Ashok Chakra hologram.

The registration number of the vehicle is then embossed on the plate in black ink. Then, a hot-stamped film is applied over the alpha-numeric registration number of the vehicle. This film has “INDIA” inscribed all over it at a 45-degree angle. So, when you look at a vehicle’s registration number on the HSRP, you will notice the “INDIA” embossed all over the numerals and alphabets.

A high-security number plate contains all information about the registration of a vehicle, just like a normal number plate. Below are the details you can derive by simply looking at an HSRP:

• The top left corner contains a chromium-based hot-stamped Ashoka Chakra symbol

• Below the Ashoka Chakra symbol, there is “IND” written, which is the international code for vehicles with India registration

• Below the “IND” code, there is a unique laser-etched 10-digit serial number or PIN

• Besides this set-up, the alpha-numeric registration number of the vehicle is written with a hot-stamped film applied over it

• The first two digits of the registration number are alphabetical. They denote the state in which the vehicle is registered. For example, WB for West Bengal, MH for Maharashtra, and DL for Delhi

• The next two digits are numeric, and they denote the district or the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in which the vehicle is registered

• The next five or six digits are the unique alphanumeric registration code of the vehicle. This code can never be the same for two different vehicles

As you know, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated for all vehicles plying on Indian roads to get a High-Security Registration Plate. Below are the benefits of getting an HSRP for your vehicle:

• Helps in controlling vehicle theft

The installation of HSRPs on vehicles will help in curbing the cases of vehicle theft in India. The old number plates that were available before the 1st of April 2019 were easy to tamper with, and hence, anyone can easily change or modify them. There was no way to know if a number plate of a vehicle had been modified or not.

This aided a rise in the cases of vehicle theft. Thieves used to steal the vehicles and then replace their number plates so that they were not recognised by the police. However, the HSRP number plates are affixed using non-removable snap locks, which make it impossible for thieves to remove or change them. Also, there is no chance of creating a duplicate or fake HSRP.

• Easy tracking by the police

The high-security number plate registration has made it easier for the police to track stolen vehicles. As there are no chances of creating fake HSRPs, fraudsters can do nothing to prevent vehicle identification by the police even if they become successful in stealing them.

Also, the HSRPs are electronically linked with the vehicle’s chassis number and engine number on which they are installed. This further allows the policemen to cross-check the identity of suspected vehicles and track them down.

• They are easily readable

When people had the freedom of modifying their number plates, many of them used to install fancy number plates on their vehicles which were difficult to read from a distance. However, the HSRPs contain the registration number of the vehicle in a simple and bold format that is easy to read.

So, in case of an accident or rash driving, this ensures that policemen or other vehicle owners on the road can easily read the registration number of the vehicle and report it to the concerned authorities.

As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it is the duty of the vehicle manufacturer and the dealer to affix High-Security Registration Plates on vehicles sold on or after the 1st of April 2019. Once you purchase a car or two-wheeler from a dealer, it will apply for an HSRP with the respective RTO. Then, after receiving the HSRP from the RTO, it will stamp it on your vehicle before delivering it to you.

However, if you’ve purchased your vehicle before the 1st of April 2019, you can follow the steps mentioned below to apply for an HSRP number plate online:

1. Visit the Government’s portal for HSRP - https://www.bookmyhsrp.com/

2. Enter the required details, including your vehicle’s registration number, engine number, chassis number, registration address, and fuel type

3. Submit the form and make the payment for the HSRP. The high-security number plate price ranges between ₹400 to ₹1,100

4. You will receive a notification on your registered mobile number as soon your vehicle’s HSRP is ready

5. You can log in using your user id and password to check the status of your HSRP

If you haven’t yet applied for the HSRP of your vehicle, we recommend you do it without any delay. In case you’re caught driving a vehicle without an HSRP, you may have to pay a fine of up to ₹10,000 or face imprisonment of up to 10 months or both.

Along with the HSRP, you should also make sure that all the documents of your vehicle, including the car insurance policy, are in order. If you want to purchase or renew your four-wheeler insurance plan, you can visit the Tata AIG website. Moreover, you can compare car insurance using the car insurance premium calculator and choose the best plan as per your requirements.