Whither tamper-proof number plates?

Whither tamper-proof number plates?
Deccan Herald

Despite the government notification on High Security Registration plates for all motor vehicles, you will fail to spot even one with the tamper-proof plates.

Four years and four months after the then Union government notified on the introduction of High Security Registration (HSR) plates for all types of motor vehicles, the rule is still lost in a series of periodical notifications and fresh launch dates, the latest being June 1, 2005.

The notification states that all new vehicles hitting the market after May 31, 2005 would have to sport the new plates, while old ones have two years to comply with the rule. If you are yet to come across the new tamper-proof plates, it’s not because no new vehicles have been driven out after May 31. It’s because the system is yet to be in place.

“We have published our tenders calling for manufacturers to supply the plates. As far as I know, no other state has started implementing the rule,” says Transport Commissioner Om Prakash.

Tenders have been called for bidders to provide and fix HSR plates for a period of 15 years on a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) basis.

They specify that the bids must reach the Transport Commissioner on or before 12.00 hours on November 3, 2005.

Stumbling block

However, history shows that a major stumbling block for the implementation has been the identification of genuine manufacturers, leaving many states hesitant to set the ball rolling (see box).

Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) M N Reddi says the system, once in place, could immensely strengthen security of motor vehicles.

“The move will make sure that tampering of number plates is checked. As of now, we are continuing with routine checks and cases are being booked,” he says. Meanwhile, the system is still being evaded by many, who persist with unintelligible fonts, fancy stickers and other signs on their number plates.



LOST IN A MAZE

*May, 1999: Standing Technical Committee of Central Motor Vehicles Rules recommenDs HSR plates

*September 28, 2001: Original date of introduction

nJune 30, 2002: Extended date, as no vendor gets Type Approval and states get hesitant

*February 28, 2003: New date, after states seek postponement citing no-show of eligible vendors

*January 1, 2004: Another extended date

*June 1, 2005: The latest launch date in the series



ON PAPER

*Number plate with patented chromium hologram

* A retro-reflective film with ‘INDIA’ inscribed at 45 degree inclination

*Alpha-numeric identification of testing agencies

*Embossed registration numbers

*In front and rear registration plates, letters ‘IND’ hot-stamped in blue

*Chromium-based hologram with Chakra emblem

*Seven-digit digital code engraved by laser marker