Two years after the Delhi high court ordered it to make high security registration plates (HSRP) mandatory for all vehicles plying in the national capital, the transport department seems to have arrived. If all goes well, the first dawn of the new year will see the court order being made a reality, a bit late though.

Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Goa, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Himachal Pradesh have already made HSRP mandatory. With the new law in place, it will not be easy for carjackers to make away with the stolen vehicles. Its features include chromium base chakra hologram, India inscribed hot stamping foil, seven-digit unique laser code, self-destructive windshield sticker and non-removable and non-reusable snap lock. The number plate will break if somebody tries to remove or replace it.

Talking to Governance Now, a transport official said, “Rule 50 of the central motor vehicles rules, 1989, was amended mandating introduction of new HSRP number plates. Trials have been conducted and vehicles are going to get HSRP from January 2012. This exercise will be conducted in phases. It will take at least six months before we start replacing plates in older vehicles.”

An official at Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS), which is consultant to the transport department on the project, said, “We will purchase the number plates from the vendors and get it installed. We are also looking at installing a chip in the number plate to track vehicles in case of a robbery. But that has to be worked out.”

According to officials, the new registration plate will cost Rs 417 (for cars) and Rs 267 for two-wheelers. Authorised dealers will sell the new registration plates. At least one centre each will be opened at Delhi’s 13 road transport authority offices. These will be monitored by DIMTS.

The beneficiaries from the implementation of HSRP are going to be many. Anil Chhikara, motor licensing officer (Projects), transport department, Delhi, said, “Primarily, the vehicle owner will benefit. After HSRP will be implemented, carjacking or thefts will be reduced. The cars that belong to Delhi will not be able to go outside Delhi.”

A police officer, who did not wish to be named, said, “This will make it easy for us to identify traffic offenders, stolen vehicles and vehicles used in crimes. No unregistered vehicles would be able to ply on roads. It will be easy to trace the hit-and-run vehicles.”