How High Security Number Plates are Made

The term HSRP as most of us know by now stands for High Security Registration Plates. Introduced more than a decade ago, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) back in 2019 made it compulsory for all vehicles plying throughout the country. It was introduced as part of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) to curb vehicle-related crimes and enhance security measures. The aim is to standardize vehicle number plates across India in order to improve traceability and authenticity.

How are High Security Number Plates different from the standard ones?

Earlier the cars and SUVs were normally fitted with either a plastic or metal number plate. However, with increase in the number of crimes across India, these sort of number plates became a necessity. What HSRP offers is an embedded chromium-based hologram that is useful in anti-counterfeiting measures. Further the use of laser-branded permanent identification number helps provide unique id to the vehicle. Its non-removable and usable snap lock ensures the plate’s permanence. The reflective coating ensures that the visibility is not hampered even at night.     

Mandatory Adoption:

Major metro cities alongside tier 3 and tier 4 towns have already adopted HSRP’s. But still there are many small townships which are left behind for which the Central Government has specified a certain timeframe in which their respective state transport departments are required to make the switch. On non-compliance this may lead to penalties amounting up to Rs 10,000 or serious legal proceedings. 

So much so for what and how effective are High Security Number Plates. But did you know who actually manufactures them? It is not the government but the company that goes by the name of Rosmerta Technologies Limited. They are the ones who bid for majority of the tenders to make these number plates in different states across India. Besides the authorities, the manufacturer also deals directly with OEMs such as Maruti Suzuki, Harley Davidson, Hyundai Motor India, Mercedes Benz India, Tata Motors, Royal Enfield among many others. 

 HSRP Allocation Process

How does it all come together? The number plates are manufactured in the 2 plants of Rosmerta, one which is in Himachal Pradesh and the other in Assam. Once made, these plates are equipped with their unique code and do not carry any vehicle number in particular. Further when ready they are dispatched to the 350 warehouses of the company across the country.

In the case of OEM’s, they can log on to the Rosmerta’s official website and place a request for the number plate with that particular new car’s chassis number. When ready, the plates are delivered directly to the showroom of OEMs where they are installed. Request for a number plate can also be initiated by individuals and these get delivered to their homes where an executive either from the company or dealership comes along to install them.

Role of Central Government is Only Limited to:

In all of this, the Central Government has a very limited role to play. This includes notifying the standards and specifications of High Security Registration Plates. Informing testing agencies who are to test the plates and give Type Approval to vendors based on these specifications. Providing information on the date of implementation of these plates. 

Role of State Government is Limited to:

As for the State Government, they are required to implement the scheme in accordance with the rules framed by the Central Government. Select the vendors from among those who have been given Type Approval Certificate by the authorized testing agencies under Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. After their selection, ensure that proper controls are being exercised at the time of issuance of these plates.

Hope all of this information was useful to understand what is HSRP, its uses, who makes them, the role of both Central and State Government. For more news and updates stay tuned to CarLelo.com!