Heavy fines and strict action will be taken if people are found driving their vehicles without High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) starting from July 1. The deadline to install High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) in Punjab ended on June 30 and the Punjab Government did not extend the time period further meaning heavy fines and strict action will be taken against vehicles without HSRP. As per reports, a special campaign for HSRP checking will be conducted across Punjab. A fine of Rs 2,000 will be imposed for the first offense, and if caught again, the fine will increase to Rs 3,000.
Failure to comply may result in the vehicle being blacklisted. Notably, the government of Punjab had granted relaxation to vehicle owners until June 30, as per the High Court’s orders. However, the government has now refused to extend the relaxation period. The Transport Department and Traffic Police have been instructed to issue challans to vehicles found without HSRP.
It is pertinent to mention here that it is the second extension of the deadline. During the Congress rule, when people started receiving fines for not having HSRP number plates in 2021, the then-Transport Minister Razia Sultan had extended the deadline. But after the onset of the pandemic, the matter was put on hold. Again, in March, the Bhagwant Mann government also set a deadline of June 30 for installing HSRP number plates on vehicles. However, the government is not inclined to extend it further. Strict actions are now being taken regarding high-security number plates throughout the state. The last day for installing number plates witnessed a significant rush.
FAQs on HSRP
1) What is HSRP?
HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate) is an aluminum-made 'number plate' which is fixed on a vehicle using two non-reusable locks. A chromium-based hologram of Ashoka Chakra of 20 mm x 20 mm size is applied by hot stamping on the top left-hand corner of the plate in both front and rear plates to protect against counterfeiting. The reason why HSRP has been made mandatory is that the old number plates are quite easy to temper with and can be misused by car thieves or any other anti-social elements. Notably, the HSRP plates come with a non-removable snap-on lock and are difficult to replace.
2) What to do if you have already applied for HSRP but haven't got it?
The answer is simple. If you have applied for a high-security number plate and don’t have it yet, there is no need to worry. If someone stops you, you can show them the slip indicating that you have applied for the number plate. It can help you avoid a challan. Additionally, the records of those who have installed HSRP number plates are available online.
3) How to apply for HSRP?
You can apply for HSRP online. To apply for an HSRP number plate, you can visit the Punjab Transport Department’s website at http://www.punjabtransport.org. Vehicle owners can also visit the agency of the company to which their vehicle belongs and apply for the number plate there. For vehicles sold before April 1, 2019, the application must be made at http://www.punjabhsrp.in. The website also provides the option to choose a center for number plate installation. It is also possible to get the number plate installed at home, but additional charges are applicable.