How To Identify A Genuine HSRP: Signs Of A Legal Vs Fake Vehicle Number Plate

With India’s increasing focus on road safety, emission control, and digitised enforcement, High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) have become more than just a vehicle identifier - they’re a legal requirement. But as enforcement tightens, a worrying trend has emerged: fake or non-compliant HSRPs in circulation. Whether you're a car owner or a law-abiding commuter, knowing how to spot a genuine HSRP can save you from penalties and legal trouble.

What Is an HSRP and Why It Matters?

A High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is a standardised number plate made from government-approved materials and embedded with security features to prevent tampering and duplication. It is issued only by vendors authorised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Key reasons why HSRPs matter:

Standardised across India

Centrally traceable via VAHAN database

Helps reduce vehicle theft and number plate tampering

Supports automatic enforcement via ANPR and e-challan systems

Mandatory under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989

Since April 1, 2019, it is compulsory for all vehicles sold in India to be fitted with HSRPs. Many states have also made it mandatory for older vehicles to retrofit HSRPs.

Why Identifying a Genuine HSRP Matters

A fake HSRP isn't just a legal risk - it’s a loophole that compromises issuance control, enables vehicle-related crimes, and undermines national traffic enforcement systems. With features like tamper-proof locking, laser-etched PINs, and centralised registration via VAHAN, genuine HSRPs are designed to create a uniform, trackable vehicle identity across India.

Counterfeit or incorrectly issued plates bypass these protections and may:

Trigger e-challans due to mismatched registration data

Lead to fines or vehicle impoundment under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019

Checklist: How to Spot a Genuine HSRP

Here are the 6 key features to look for when checking whether your HSRP is authentic and legally compliant:

1. Laser-Etched 12-Digit Alphanumeric Code

Every genuine HSRP includes a permanently etched 12-digit PIN (Personalised Identification Number), made using laser technology. This code is:

Unique to your vehicle

Etched on both the front and rear HSRPs

Synced with the VAHAN registration records

🛑 Beware: If the code appears faded, printed with ink, or missing entirely, your plate is likely counterfeit.

2. Hot-Stamped Chromium-Based Hologram (Ashoka Chakra)

A real HSRP features a hot-stamped hologram of the Ashoka Chakra, embedded at high temperature using tamper-resistant foil. It:

Prevents duplication and fakes

Acts as an official security seal

Cannot be peeled off or manually added

🛑 Beware: Plates with holograms that are stickers or easily removed are not compliant.

3. Tamper-Proof Snap Lock Mechanism

Genuine HSRPs use a one-time snap lock system for fitment. These locks:

Break when tampered with or removed

Ensure the plate cannot be reused on another vehicle

Are issued by authorised vendors only

🛑 Beware: If your plate is mounted with screws or clips, it is not MoRTH-compliant.

4. Reflective Sheeting and “IND” Branding

HSRPs include a retro-reflective film for better night-time visibility. On the left side, you’ll see the “IND” watermark printed in blue .

🛑 Beware: Plates without reflective film or inconsistent font spacing may be fake or issued by unregistered vendors.

5. Colour-Coded Third Licence Plate Sticker (Windshield Sticker)

Every HSRP-compliant vehicle also requires a colour-coded sticker on the inside of the front windshield. This is also called the Third Licence Plate. It shows:

Registration number

Date of registration

12-digit laser etched code of both the number plates 

Fuel type (via colour background)

State of registration

Green strip (for BS-VI compliant vehicles)

🛑 Beware: If the sticker is missing, incorrectly coloured, or doesn’t match your fuel type or vehicle age, it is non-compliant.

Colour Codes:

Light Blue – Petrol or CNG

Orange – Diesel

Grey – Electric, hybrid, or biofuel

6. Vendor Traceability and Issuance Record

Only MoRTH-authorised vendors are allowed to issue HSRPs. Every plate they produce is:

Registered on the VAHAN portal

Mapped to your vehicle’s engine and chassis number

Issued with a digital audit trail

🛑 Beware: If your HSRP was issued by a local vendor without a proper invoice or vehicle document verification, it may be illegal.

In a world of smarter traffic systems and tighter vehicle regulations, having a genuine HSRP is not optional - it’s a legal obligation and a critical layer of protection for your vehicle.

Don't risk fines or fraud by trusting local vendors. Instead, always verify the plate’s security features and book your HSRP through MoRTH-authorised vendors.

Want to Apply for HSRP?

For vehicles registered before 1st April 2019: Visit your respective state transport department website to apply.

For vehicles registered on or after 1st April 2019: HSRPs are generally issued by the dealership at the time of registration. Contact your dealer for assistance.

About Shimnit:

Shimnit is a MoRTH-authorized HSRP manufacturer and one of the pioneers in implementing high-security registration plates across India. With a legacy of innovation, compliance, and operational excellence, Shimnit has been instrumental in bringing secure and tamper-proof vehicle identification to millions of vehicle owners. 

Trusted by over 50 leading automotive OEMs and numerous state transport departments, Shimnit offers:

MoRTH-compliant manufacturing infrastructure for HSRPs

Seamless online booking and fitment services across India

Real-time order tracking and direct integration with the VAHAN database

Bulk HSRP support for dealers, OEMs, and fleet operators

With its robust distribution model and end-to-end service capabilities, Shimnit continues to play a pivotal role in modernizing India's vehicle registration ecosystem - ensuring security, traceability, and standardization for every vehicle on the road. 

Want to check if Shimnit is your state’s authorised HSRP vendor? 

Visit: www.shimnit.com/know-your-hsrp-vendor

Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025, 03:30 PM IST