The registration plate is one of the most vital identifiers of your car. It is not just a piece of metal or plastic; it is your car’s official identity on the road. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, all cars in India need to display a valid registration plate. If the registration plate is damaged, broken, or lost, it can create real issues, from fines and police action, and misuse by the wrong person if it falls into the wrong hands.
In case your registration plate is now unusable, what do you do? Step by step.
Why a Number Plate Is So Important
Many owners disregard the importance the number plate plays on a car. A number plate has several important functions:
- Legal Requirement: All cars must have a number plate. To drive a car without one is illegal.
- Vehicle Identification: Police, tolls, and parking systems identify vehicles by the number plate.
- Theft Recovery: If someone steals your car, your number plate is a mechanism for recovering it.
- Insurance: When making an insurance claim, it is necessary to have a legit registration.
- E-Challan & Traffic Violation Monitoring: CCTVs and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) detection systems all rely on a number plate being visible to detect violations.
Without a number plate, your car is “invisible” to law enforcement, which can result in unpaid fines and unnecessary hassle.
Step 1: Do Not Drive Without a Number Plate
The first and foremost thing to know is you should never operate a vehicle if the number plate is in any way missing or unreadable. You may feel at that moment that it is not important, but the traffic police will take it seriously.
If it is an emergency and you must operate your vehicle, you can always use a temporary paper or cardboard plate with your registration number clearly written in black ink. This is not a permanent solution, but at least you can show there is an intention that you are making a reasonable effort until it is replaced.
Step 2: File a Police Complaint if the Plate Is Lost or Stolen
If your number plate has been stolen, broken, or fell off your vehicle while on the road, you need to immediately register an FIR at the nearest police station.
Why is it important?
- Criminals use stolen number plates to commit illegal acts like smuggling, theft, or even collisions.
- The FIR is a legal document proving the plate has truly gone missing from your vehicle.
- The RTO will often request a copy of the FIR before submitting a request for a duplicate number plate.
Tip: Whenever you go to the RTO bring with you a soft copy of the FIR or you may apply to the RTO or via an authorized HSRP portal for a duplicate number plate online.
Step 3: Apply for a Duplicate High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP)
As of 2019, the government has implemented HSRP number plates for most vehicles. They have the following security features.
- A unique code, etched using a laser
- A permanent snap lock that cannot be removed
- A tamper-proof feature to prevent use of the plate elsewhere.
To get a replacement plate:
- Visit the official transportation department website for your State or an authorized HSRP portal.
- Provide details about your vehicle such as registration number, chassis number and engine number.
- Upload other documents such as the RC copy and FIR if they are lost.
- Pay the amount due (₹ 400 – ₹ 1100).
- Book an appointment with an authorized RTO dealer to arrive at your locale and have your new plate affixed.
Step 4: If the Plate Is Damaged but Still Attached
In some situations, the plate doesn’t need to be fully lost, but is damaged, faded, bent, or cracked. In that instance:
- You are still able to operate the vehicle as long as you can identify the plate and the numbers can be read.
- But you should replace it as soon as possible, since even unreadable plates can result in fines.
- Don’t try to “jugaad” fix the problem by painting the numbers in again or using stickers or changing the design. This is considered illegal under Indian traffic laws.
Step 5: Be Aware of the Penalties
According to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, driving without a number plate or wearing an improper or decorative number plate could result in significant penalties:
- ₹5,000 for the first offence
- ₹10,000 for each subsequent offence
The police might also take control of your car and hold it until you have a proper number plate on your vehicle. It is obvious that the cheaper and safer option is to obtain a duplicate number plate than to risk penalties.
Step 6: Order Only from Authorized Vendors
Never get a number plate made from a local fabricator or roadside shop for the following reasons. Non-compliant plates:
- Will not have the approved government hologram and laser code.
- Can technically be viewed as illegal by traffic authorities.
- Could create an issue in insurance claims if your car had an accident.
You should always use HSRP through your local state transport department or an approved dealer.
Tips to Avoid Future Number Plate Problems
- Make sure your plate is secure, looking to see if it is about to come off or has already come off.
- Do not have decorative plates – you can ultimately be fined if there are decorative fonts or stickers or colours.
- Replace your plate in a timely fashion – if your plate is damaged, you must apply for another plate and RC immediately.
- Have a digital file – take a picture of your number plate and Registration Certificate and save the image for police complaints.
- Get frames or guards – a strong frame can prevent your plate from bending or damage.
Conclusion
While a lost or damaged number plate may appear to be a minor inconvenience there can be significant legal, financial and security implications. The appropriate actions to take are:
- Report the number plate lost or stolen.
- Request a duplicate HSRP through an HSRP registered/authorized agent.
- Do not operate a vehicle with a damaged or missing plate.
Acting quickly means you can remain compliant, you won’t face fines and you can also protect yourself from potential use of your number plate.
