The Indian roads witness millions of cars each day and when it comes to road safety and vehicle security, your number plate is a legal identity for your vehicle. But in recent years, a concerning trend has emerged: the rise of fake HSRP plate (High-Security Registration Plates) booking services targeting unsuspecting vehicle owners across India.
Whether you’re trying to book a high security number plate online or perform a number plate check before buying a used vehicle, these fake portals and fraudulent agents are now more active than ever. While fake number plates might seem like a small shortcut to avoid waiting or paying slightly more, the consequences can be far-reaching, and in some cases, even criminal.
Let us try to understand why you should always steer clear of fake HSRP plates, and what you need to watch out for when applying for or checking your vehicle’s legal number plates.
Why is HSRP Mandatory and What Do They Mean for You?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) mandatory as a tamper-proof and standardized vehicle identification system in India.
Unlike the old number plates, HSRPs come with:
- Laser-etched 12 digit alphanumeric numbers
- A chromium-based hologram
- Snap-locks that prevent tampering
- Colored tags showing fuel type and BS emission level
They help authorities curb vehicle theft, identify fake or duplicate registrations, and standardize records across the country. In fact, for newer vehicles, having an HSRP is not just advisable, it’s legally mandatory.
Read More: HSRP Number Plate Features
The Rise of Non-Legal HSRP Plate Booking Services
With increasing enforcement and digital application platforms, many vehicle owners now search online to book HSRP number plates. But the demand has opened doors for scammers who mimic official websites or pose as authorised vendors.
These fake HSRP portals:
- Use similar-looking URLs and interfaces as the official ones
- Collect personal data and vehicle details
- Take online payments and issue fake booking receipts
- Deliver plates that look authentic but aren’t MoRTH-approved
The outcome? You might end up paying for a plate that is not legally recognized, leaving you exposed to penalties, legal consequences, and even potential misuse of your vehicle’s data.
Why Fake HSRP or Fake Registration Plates May Pose Legal and Safety Threats
1. Penalties
Driving around with fake number plates or an unapproved plate is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. In many states, vehicle owners found with fake registration plates are fined heavily or even have their registration temporarily suspended.
2. Insurance and RC Issues
In the case of an accident or insurance claim, legal authorities or insurers may cross-verify your vehicle’s details via a number plate check. If your plate doesn’t match authorised data records, your insurance claim faces the risk of being rejected.
3. Data Misuse and Identity Fraud
Many fraudulent websites that offer HSRP plate booking services harvest sensitive data, name, address, mobile number, vehicle registration, and chassis number. This information can be misused for creating fake vehicle documents or cloned identities.
4. Compromised Road Safety
One of the key benefits of legal number plates is their traceability. A fake HSRP plate removes that safeguard, making it easier for car thieves to disguise stolen vehicles or for hit-and-run offenders to vanish without a trace.
How to Spot Counterfeit HSRP Services: What to Look Out For
In the digital era of online bookings, appearances can be deceiving. Here’s how to stay alert:
- Verify the Website:
Before making any bookings, take a moment to examine the website’s address. A secure page will have an SSL certificate (look for “https” in the URL). Government-approved sites are usually linked directly from state transport department websites or other official portals. Be cautious if the URL contains strange numbers, spelling errors, or unusual domain names. - Check for Official Approval:
Only vendors listed as authorised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) are permitted to issue HSRP plates. If the provider you’re considering doesn’t appear on the official list, it’s safer to steer clear.
- Ignore Unsolicited Offers:
If you receive unexpected calls, emails, or WhatsApp messages offering to help you book a number plate, don’t fall for it. These are often scams posing as genuine services.
- Confirm Receipts and Booking Status:
Some fraudulent sites may generate fake confirmation pages or receipts that look real. Always verify your booking through an approved government platform to be sure it’s legitimate.
What Would Happen If You’re Caught with a Forged HSRP Plate?
Being pulled over at a traffic checkpoint only to be told your licence plate is invalid. Aside from the penalties, this is what could happen:
- It can lead to seizure of your vehicle for non-compliance with legal requirements
- You could be fined depending on your state’s regulations
- Delay in vehicle resale or ownership transfer due to registration inconsistencies
- You can be denied of pollution certificate or insurance renewal in some cases
In a nutshell, the risks far outweigh the small convenience or cost-saving of a false HSRP plate over legal number plate.
How Real Mazon Can Help
Being India’s leading HSRP provider Real Mazon is committed to providing unsurpassed security and excellent customer service. We utilize cutting-edge technology and rigorous quality control procedures to manufacture HSRPs that meet and exceed government standards.
- Superior Quality You Can Trust
At Real Mazon, we adhere to the guidelines set by the Government of India under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, with complete precision. Each High Security Registration Plate is made from high-quality aluminium and includes vital safety features like tamper-resistant holograms, laser-etched codes to prevent counterfeiting, and durable materials built to last. We consistently try to improve our production methods to ensure every plate meets the highest standards. Making it easy for number plate check - Hassle-Free Installation and Application
We believe that security alongside convenience should never be compromised.At Real Mazon, we focus on making the HSRP application process as simple and convenient as possible. Whether you’re at home or at work, you can easily order online without any hassle. Once that’s done, our experienced fitment team takes care of the installation quickly and professionally. With our strong delivery network, we’re able to get the number plates to customers within just 24 hours, no matter where they are in India.
- Dependable and Responsive Customer Support
Want a High Security Number Plate or have questions about the application? Our customer support team is just a call or message away. At Real Mazon, we take pride in offering genuine assistance, friendly, informed, and dependable, so that every time you reach out, you feel supported and confident in the process.
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Go Legit
When it comes to your vehicle’s number plate, it’s simply not worth the risk. These days, with digital systems getting tighter and enforcement becoming more proactive, fake HSRP plates don’t go unnoticed for long as number plate checks are done randomly to detect fake registration plates in some cities. And the penalties? They’re only getting tougher.
So, if you’re to do an HSRP plate booking, here’s a simple rule of thumb: stick to authorised sources to avoid fake HSRP number plates. A price that sounds unusually low could mean something isn’t right. And if the whole process feels suspicious, trust your instincts, simply walk away.
Your number plate isn’t just a piece of metal anymore. It’s linked to your road tax, insurance records, emission status, and more. Staying genuine is no longer a choice, it’s the smart thing to do.
