When you glance at a vehicle’s front windshield and notice a small square-shaped sticker , you’re looking at more than just a regulatory add-on. This is the HSRP colour-coded sticker or Third Registration Mark or Third Licence Plate Sticker – a government-mandated label that has become a vital component in India’s push for  safer roads, intelligent transport systems, and eco-friendly mobility. 

While it may appear minor, this small square sticker plays a significant role in fuel-type identification, vehicle tracking, environmental enforcement, and preventing the misuse of fuel-based benefits or entry into restricted zones. 

What Exactly Is the HSRP Sticker?

An HSRP colour sticker, also known as the third licence plate or Third Registration Mark is a tamper-proof, self-destructive adhesive affixed to the inside of your vehicle’s windshield (typically on the top-left corner).

Issued alongside the High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP), the sticker includes:

  • Vehicle registration number 
  • Date of registration 
  • 12-digit laser-etched code (matching the front and rear HSRP plates) 
  • Colour coding indicating the vehicle’s fuel type (e.g., petrol, diesel, CNG, electric) 
  • “Govt. of [State Name]” printed to signify the state of vehicle registration 

The sticker is , linked with your HSRP, and embedded with a chromium-based hologram – making duplication or tampering extremely difficult. 

These reflect key features of HSRP Number Plates that make them secure and traceable.

Why Is HSRP Colour Coded Sticker/Third Licence Plate Sticker Important?

1. Fuel-Specific Identification in Pollution-Control Zones

With growing environmental concerns, cities are implementing Graded Response Action Plans (GRAP) that restrict certain fuel types in high-pollution areas. The colour-coded HSRP sticker allows authorities to identify and filter vehicles based on fuel type at a glance. 

2. Enhanced Compatibility with ANPR and Smart Surveillance

The sticker is machine-readable and designed to work seamlessly with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. It helps streamline processes like e-challan generation, fastag tolling, and traffic enforcement. 

3. Minimizes Fuel-Type Forgery

Cases of diesel vehicles being disguised as petrol vehicles to bypass restrictions are not uncommon. With digitally validated colour-coded HSRP stickers, such fraud is easily detectable, supporting enforcement.

4. Supports Emission Norm Compliance (BS-VI vs Older Vehicles)

India’s vehicle emission standards, known as Bharat Stage (BS) norms, play a critical role in curbing vehicular pollution. The HSRP colour-coded sticker helps authorities differentiate between vehicles compliant with the latest BS-VI norms and older, higher-emission BS-III or BS-IV vehicles.

What Do the Sticker Colours Mean?

HSRP Stricker Types

The sticker’s colour corresponds directly to the vehicle’s fuel type, as per MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways): 

 

Colour Fuel Type Description
Blue Petrol and CNG Used for petrol and CNG vehicles. Common on private cars, taxis, and autos.
Orange Diesel Indicates diesel-powered vehicles. Often seen on SUVs, commercial vehicles, and trucks.
Grey Hybrid / Biofuels / EV For vehicles running on electric, hybrid, or eco-friendly fuels like ethanol or biodiesel.

 

This classification is enforced under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). Non-compliance may result in penalties, especially in cities with active emission control policies.

Have You Noticed the Green Strip on Your HSRP Sticker?

That slim green colour strip across the top of your vehicle’s HSRP colour-coded sticker isn’t just design – it carries important regulatory meaning.

HSRP Stricker with Green Strip

So, what does it actually indicate?

The green strip signifies that your vehicle is BS-VI compliant – meaning it meets the latest and strictest Bharat Stage emission standards set by the Government of India.

In simple terms:

A green line = modern, clean, and compliant
No green line = older vehicle, higher emission profile

HSRP Sticker vs. Number Plate: Know the Difference

While both the plate and sticker are parts of the HSRP system, they are not standalone components. Here’s why: 

  • The 12-digit laser-etched code on both the front and rear High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) must match the code printed on the colour-coded sticker affixed to the windshield. 
  • Any mismatch triggers alerts during verification scans. 
  • A sticker without a corresponding HSRP (or vice versa) is considered non-compliant. 

Who Needs the HSRP Colour Sticker?

Here’s a breakdown of the applicability: 

  • All four-wheelers & three wheelers registered before April 1, 2019 must get both the HSRP and colour-coded sticker. 
  • Vehicles registered after April 2019 are typically issued OEM-fitted HSRPs and stickers.

Beware of Fake Stickers and Penalties

With rising awareness, fake sticker markets have emerged in many states. Here’s how you can spot fakes: 

  • Stickers peel off easily or show no hologram 
  • Mismatch with VAHAN data during roadside checks 

As per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, penalties apply for non-compliance and may increase with repeated violations.

How to Apply or Replace Your HSRP Sticker

You can apply for your HSRP number plate along with the colour-coded sticker or request a replacement if either gets damaged. 

 Important: The HSRP sticker carries the same unique 12-digit laser-etched code as your vehicle’s front and rear HSRP plates. If your number plate is ever broken, lost, or replaced, the sticker must also be replaced to ensure this code remains consistent across all registration elements. Failure to update the sticker after replacing an HSRP plate may result in code mismatch, which can trigger issues during verification checks by authorities. 

Here’s how you can do it through Real Mazon: 

  • Visit https://order.realmazon.com 
  • Select your state from the list (e.g., Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, etc.) 
  • Enter your: 
    • Registration Number 
    • Last 5 digits of Chassis and Engine Number 
    • Registered Mobile Number 
  • Click Validate 
  • Choose a fitment location or delivery option 
  • Complete payment and get the HSRP with the third licence plate sticker fitted securely 

Also Read – How to Apply for an HSRP Number Plate in Maharashtra 

The HSRP colour-coded sticker – also known as the third licence plate – is a small but powerful addition to India’s evolving vehicle security and compliance ecosystem. It simplifies enforcement, supports environmental goals, and protects your vehicle’s identity. 

Whether you’re applying for a new HSRP or replacing your sticker, Real Mazon provides a secure, reliable, and government-approved process. 

Apply for your HSRP with colour-coded sticker today – Stay compliant, stay secure.