Data furnished in LS indicates low adherence to high security registration plates

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated in its reply to a question in the Lok Sabha that about 50% of registered vehicles across India are yet to be installed with High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) even as Telangana’s compliance status remains unavailable as the State is in the process of migrating to Vahan 4 database.

Parliamentarians Asaduddin Owaisi and Dhanorkar Pratibha Suresh, the MoRTH stated that 20.16 crore of the 40.07 crore registered vehicles in the country have HSRPs. The remaining 19.91 crore, or 49.69%, are non-compliant with the HSRP norms, which were made mandatory to curb counterfeiting and enhance traceability.

The ministry also stated that while the Central government is responsible for framing rules under the Motor Vehicles Act, the implementation of HSRP norms, which include fixing, deciding the price, as well as its distribution, is the prerogative of State and Union Territory governments.

Telangana is the only State for which HSRP compliance data was not available and submitted in the reply on account of the migration to Vahan 4 platform.

The ministry also acknowledged reports of counterfeit HSRPs being circulated in parts of the country. It cited specific provisions under Rule 50(1) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, which require plates to have tamper-proof features such as chromium-based holograms, laser-branded serial numbers, and snap-lock fittings. Advisories have been issued to the State transport agencies or departments as well as manufacturers to prevent unauthorised production and distribution.

On the issue of rural access and price disparities, the government clarified that it does not regulate the cost of HSRPs. This came in response to a query about higher plate prices in Maharashtra, where HSRP fee are reportedly more than double when compared to those in other States.

States with some of the the lowest compliance percentages include Lakshadweep, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir, and Assam reported higher compliance.

In Telangana, there is confusion about fixing HSRPs to older vehicles. While the traffic police have embarked on a drive to ensure said number plates are affixed to vehicles, the Transport department is yet to issue orders mandating HSRPs on older vehicles.