HSRP and Color Code sticker have been in talks and news for a long time now. In this article, we have tried to put down all the information together so that it helps someone who is still looking for it.

• Why am I being asked to change my vehicle number plate?
• How does it benefit me?
• From where can I buy it and how much I will have pay?

These are some of the questions that pop up in mind. We will try to answer all these.

HSRP (High Security Registration Plate)

HSRP stands for High Security Registration Plate. Just looking at the full form, its very clear that it has something to do with security of the vehicle.

High Security Registration Plates are vehicle number plates made of aluminium and are affixed using two non-reusable snap-on locks.

These plates are considered to be tamper proof because:

• Once the locks are broken, the same number plate cannot be installed again and you will have to repurchase it.
• These plates have the various security features:
  • a hot-stamped chromium-based 20 mm X 20 mm hologram of Ashoka Chakra in blue colour on the top left corner,
  • a 10-digit PIN (permanent identification number) at the bottom left corner which is engraved by using laser technology
  • The vehicle registration number engraved on the plate has a hot stamp film applied bearing the inscription “INDIA” at a 45-degree angle.

What problems does HSRP solve?

1. Many people write the vehicle registration number using fancy fonts which sometimes is difficult to read and is also against rules. HSRP makes this uniform now.
2. While purchasing the HSRP, we need to share vehicle details like chasis no., engine no. etc which is recorded in a central database. So, once HSRP is fixed, it is electronically linked to the vehicle using the 10 digit PIN.
   This helps authorities in tracking vehicles and also to identify the lost/stolen vehicle.
3. HSRP is affixed using non-reusable locks, so it makes it difficult for someone to replace the number plate. This is the first thing that theifs most often do after stealing a vehicle.
4. It will help in identifying old vehicles. During the Budget 2021 speech, Finance Minister of INDIA made an announcement for a new voluntary vehicle scrapping policy.

What Is A Colour Coded Fuel Sticker (Third Registration Plate)?

Just like HSRP, color coded sticker is also a mandate. These colour coded stickers have a laser-branded PIN and vehicle regsitration details like: the registration number, the registering authority and registration date. A color coded sticker is a hologram based sticker and indicates the fuel type and the Bharat Stage of a vehicle.

• Light Blue Sticker: This is for vehicles using petrol and CNG fuel
• Orange stickers: This is for diesel vehicles.
• Grey: This is for other vehicles, so EVs come under this category.

BS6 compliant vehicles will additionally have a green strip on the top of the sticker. You have to install the sticker on the windscreen from inside at the left hand corner.

How to purchase HSRP and color coded sticker?

Vehicles sold in India after April 2019 come with high security number plates from the dealer’s end and the cost of HSRP is included in the price of the vehicle. But for the vehicles sold before April 2019, vehicle owners will have to purchase it from government authorized HSRP vendors by paying a marginal amount.

You can visit https://www.bookmyhsrp.com/index.aspx to purchase the HSRP and color code sticker online.

In order to proceed with purchase, you need to have vehicle RC handy.

The steps you will have to go through will be:

• Provide Vehicle details like registration number, engine number, chasis number etc.
• Select dealer of your choice for purchase.
• Select a appointment slot.
• Verify your details and make payment.
• Download and print the receipt.

On the selected appointment date and time, visit the dealer with vehicle RC and printout of receipt to collect or get the installation done.
Some cities have the facility of home delivery available, you can check the list of cities in the website.

You can even purchase HSRP from https://www.siam.in/.

Beware and purchase HSRP and color coded sticker from authorized dealers only.

Can I only buy colour-coded sticker?

Yes, if you already have HSRP installed in your vehicle, you can apply only for colour-coded sticker, also called third number plate.

What if my HSRP or color coded sticker is damaged?

You will have to purchase it again and get it installed else you will have to pay penalty as per rules.

What is the cost of HSRP/color code sticker?

You may get HSRP plate for two wheeler between Rs. 300 and Rs.400. For four wheeler, HSRP + color code sticker will come somewhere between Rs. 600 and Rs. 1100.

What if you do purchase HSRP and get it installed by the date relaxation provided by government?

You may have to pay high fine like Rs. 4500-5500 for not having HSRP and similarly Rs. 4500-5500 for not having color coded sticker installed.

You will not be able to get any work done in RTO for your vehicle, renewal of your vehicle insurance policy will also not be possible.