Everything You Need to Know About the HSRP Rule in India

India’s roads are evolving with 36.5 KM constructed every day in 2020-21 ; 34 KM constructed every day in 2023-24 with 10,000+ KMs road construction in NHAI’s belt in last few year. This evolution is not only limited to road infrastructure but is extended to how vehicles are identified and secured.

One such significant change in recent years is the introduction of HSRP for vehicles in India.

What Is an HSRP?

A HSRP a.k.a High-Security Registration Plate is a tamper-proof number plate made of aluminum, embedded with advanced security features to prevent theft and duplication. It is governed by Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and is now mandatory for all vehicle categories across India.

How to identify if your vehicle has High-Security Registration Plate OR HSRP?

It is likely that your vehicle has a High Security Registration Plate OR HSRP if your vehicle was purchased and registered in last 4-5 years.

If you are still unsure about this, see the examples of Non-HSRP vs HSRP vehicles-

HSRP will always have these specifications –

1. Chromium Based Hologram comprising Ashoka Chakra Symbol
2. Registration Code For India, usually denoted as “IND”
3. Unique Laser Etched alpha-numeric Serial Number
4. Followed by usual number plate registration sequence

Note – BH or Bharat Number plates are by default HSPR complaint as they were launched post Sept’21

What are the Key Features of HSRP?

In addition to the 4 points mentioned above, i.e. Laser-etched 12-digit code, Chromium-based hologram sticker,  there are addition features of this plate, namely –

1. Tamper-proof snap locks
2. Reflective sheeting for better night visibility
3. Color-coded windshield sticker which indicates fuel type and BS (Bharat Stage Emission) compliance

Why Is HSRP Mandatory?

Looking at the above images and points, there is a logical question, “Why is it mandatory to convert my old number plate to HSRP?”

The answer is simple. Conversion is mandatory because of security reasons. Yes, HSRP is secure as compared to traditional number plates and can help law enforcement agencies to track the vehicle in case of theft. Not only that, HSRP will help & improve enforce traffic rules efficiently.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) made HSRPs mandatory for all vehicles sold after April 1, 2019. Which means all new vehicles sold post April 2019 come with HSRP installed.

For older vehicles, you will need to convert your old number plate (registered before April 2019) to HSRP else your vehicle will be in violation of traffic rules and penalties will apply. In some states, deadline to convert the number plate to HSRP is extended.

How to Apply for an HSRP?

As mentioned above, if your vehicle is registered post April 2019, your vehicle should be complaint with HSRP norms. Check above image and compare it with your number plate to be doubly sure.

Since you are at this section, it is understood that your vehicle was registered before April 2019 and you are looking to convert your existing number plate to HSRP.

Conversion of the number plate to HSRP can be done both online as well as offline.

Offline method –

Visit nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) and request for conversion of your existing/old number plate to HSRP

Online method –

Not all states provide online conversion service as yet. For Maharashtra,

1. Visit the official portal (https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in)
2. Enter vehicle details – Registration number, chassis number, engine number
3. Choose a fitment center and time slot
4. Make payment online
5. Visit the center for installation

Tip: Keep the appointment receipt handy—it can help avoid penalties if enforcement begins before your installation date.

What will it cost to convert the number plate to HSRP?

Cost for conversion to HSRP will depend on your vehicle type. See the table below –