Chandigarh: The continued non-implementation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019 is emerging as a serious issue, leading to duplication of number plates, misuse of vehicle identities and harassment of innocent citizens.
The absence of tamper-proof number plates has created opportunities for criminals to use cloned vehicle numbers and making it difficult for enforcement agencies to track vehicles involved in crimes.
International road safety expert Dr. Kamal Soi, Chairman, Raahat – The Safe Community Foundation and Society for Corruption Free India (SCFI) while addressing this issue during a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club had expressed deep concern over the situation and termed it alarming for public safety and law enforcement.
Dr Soi is also a Member of the National Road Safety Council under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, where he contributes to road safety policy, transport reforms and accident prevention strategies across the country
He stated that today an innocent vehicle owner can receive a police notice or face legal trouble for a crime he never committed simply because his vehicle number has been duplicated and misused. He said this is not just administrative negligence but a serious injustice to law-abiding citizens.
Dr. Soi further pointed out that Punjab, being a sensitive border state, already faces serious challenges related to drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime. Such a weak vehicle identification systems directly compromise national security and public safety.
He also highlighted the unchecked proliferation of unauthorized dealers and illegal vendors who are openly affixing fake or non-compliant number plates. Duplicate number plates and HSRP-like plates are easily available through online platforms and local markets, defeating the purpose of a secure registration system.
According to him, this lack of enforcement has resulted in rampant duplication of vehicle numbers, criminals operating with cloned identities, harassment and legal trouble for innocent vehicle owners and loss of credibility of the vehicle registration system.
In a corrective step, the Transport Department has now expanded HSRP affixation for pre-2019 vehicles through authorized automobile dealers across the state via the SIAM digital platform.
Dr Soi advised that an applicant should visit the official website www.siam.in to enter their vehicle details, choose an authorized dealer and than select a convenient date and time slot. The payment must be made online to ensure transparency and avoid any cash dealings. Once the appointment is confirmed, the HSRP can be affixed at the selected dealership. This system is secure, transparent and effectively eliminates the role of illegal operators.
HSRP plates also incorporate retro-reflective technology that enhances visibility up to 200 meters at night, improving road safety.
Dr. Soi urged the Govt and enforcement agencies to take immediate and strict action, including crackdown on unauthorized dealers, monitoring online sale of duplicate plates, strict enforcement with penalties and time-bound implementation to achieve 100% HSRP coverage.
