Lucknow: In Uttar Pradesh, vehicle owners must have a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) to obtain a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. The Transport Department has enforced this regulation, implementing the necessary technical adjustments to the PUC system. This rule specifically pertains to vehicles purchased before April 1, 2019, which do not yet have the mandated HSRP. Government statistics indicate that over 20 million vehicles fall into this category. Consequently, newly purchased vehicles that already have HSRP will not be impacted by this new requirement.
The Transport Department has modified the PUC portal to reject any data from vehicles lacking HSRP, leading to potential rejections of PUC certificates. In essence, without an HSRP, obtaining a PUC certificate will be impossible. Additionally, drivers without an HSRP may incur significant fines; operating a vehicle without one could result in penalties of up to 10,000 rupees, with additional fines for not having a PUC, effectively increasing the financial repercussions.
The Transport Department has issued several warnings to vehicle owners in recent months regarding the installation of HSRP, but compliance has been insufficient. In response, the government has adopted a more stringent approach, aiming to enhance vehicle safety, reduce instances of counterfeit number plates, and improve pollution control measures.
Some exceptions may apply; vehicles for which HSRP is currently unavailable have been given a temporary reprieve. However, once the plates are accessible, these vehicle owners must also comply with the HSRP requirement.
HSRP is regarded as more than just a number plate; it is considered a crucial security feature. Each plate includes a unique code and laser branding, which helps mitigate the risk of counterfeit plates and enhances vehicle tracking and security.
