What is a Fancy Number Plate
A fancy number plate, often called a VIP number plate, features unique sequences like ‘0001’ and ‘1111’ or culturally significant numbers like ‘0786’. Many vehicle owners in Andhra Pradesh spend substantial amounts to secure these unique numbers, seeing them reflect personal identity or status. The process is overseen by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and involves a competitive bidding system.
How to Get a Fancy Number Plate
To get a fancy number plate in Andhra Pradesh, you must follow a structured process involving online registration and participation in an e-auction. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Online Registration
Begin by registering on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website. This is your first step to participating in the fancy number auction.
- Visit the MoRTH website.
- Sign up as a public user.
- Log in to your account.
- Choose the fancy number you want from the list.
- Pay the registration fee to reserve the number.
E-Auction Process
The next step is to join the e-auction, where you’ll compete with others to get the fancy number.
- After registering, take part in the e-auction.
- The auction lasts five days (three days for registration and two days for bidding).
- Place your bids in steps of ₹10,000 (some categories allow smaller increments).
- The highest bidder wins the fancy number.
Final Payment and Allotment
After winning the auction, you must complete the payment and get your number.
- If you win the bidding, you’ll get a notification via SMS and email.
- Pay the remaining amount within five days.
- Get your allotment letter, which is valid for 90 days.
- Use this letter to complete the vehicle registration.
Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate
Applying for a fancy number plate in Andhra Pradesh requires careful adherence to specific guidelines. From verifying availability to ensuring compliance with legal requirements, here’s what you need to know for a seamless application process.
- Check Availability: Verify if your desired VIP or fancy number is available on the Parivahan website or by visiting a nearby Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Andhra Pradesh.
- Claim Refund if Unsuccessful: If you don’t receive the selected number plate after winning the bid, you can request a refund, ensuring a transparent process.
- Immediate Payment: Once you win the bid, make the payment promptly to secure your chosen number. Delays could result in losing the reservation.
- Mandatory HSRP Installation: All vehicles with fancy number plates must be fitted with High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) as part of national safety requirements.
- Compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act: Even with a fancy number plate, all vehicles must follow the guidelines set out in the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 to avoid penalties.
Fees and Charges
The cost of acquiring a fancy number plate in Andhra Pradesh varies depending on the number category. Here’s a breakdown of base prices:
Category | Examples | Base Price for 2-wheeler | Base Price for 4-wheeler |
Super Elite Numbers | 0001 | ₹20,000 | ₹1 lakh |
Single Digit Numbers | 0002, 0003, 0004,0005,0006,0007,0008,0009. | ₹15,000 | ₹1 lakh |
Popular Numbers | 0786, 1111, 7777, 0010 to 0099 | ₹10,000 | ₹50,000 |
Semi-Fancy Numbers | 0100, 0222, 0333, 0444, 0555, 0666, 0777, 0888, 0999, etc. | ₹5,000 | ₹30,000 |
How to Check Availability of a Fancy Number Plate
To check the availability of fancy numbers in Andhra Pradesh, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the MoRTH Website
- Go to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
Step 2: Select ‘Choice Number’
- Look for and click on the ‘Choice Number’ option on the website.
Step 3: Choose State and RTO
- Select Andhra Pradesh as your state, then choose your respective Regional Transport Office (RTO) from the provided list.
Step 4: View Available Numbers
- After selecting your state and RTO, you can see a list of available fancy numbers.
Step 5: Proceed with Registration
- You can proceed with the registration and bidding process by following the instructions on the website if your preferred number is available.
Fancy Number Plate: Challenges and Considerations
Getting a fancy number plate in Andhra Pradesh can be an exciting yet challenging process due to competitive bidding and strict regulations. Here’s an overview of the key considerations:
Competitive Bidding Process
- High Prices: Fancy number plates, such as 0001 or 9999, can cost lakhs of rupees. These popular numbers often drive prices up, with elite numbers like 0001 reaching ₹5 lakhs. Other desirable numbers like 7777 or 8888 can start from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000, making competition challenging for bidders.
- Technical Glitches: Some users report issues like website crashes and failed payments during high-demand bidding periods. These technical glitches can frustrate the process, particularly when securing highly coveted numbers.
Legal Compliance
- Misuse of Plates: Altering the design, font, or size of fancy number plates is strictly prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to fines or penalties. The Andhra Pradesh RTO strictly enforces these regulations to ensure all number plates adhere to official standards.
- Strict Format Enforcement: The RTO ensures that every number plate follows the mandated format concerning size, font, and design. Any deviation from the standard format is punishable under the law, ensuring uniformity across vehicles.
Customisation Restrictions
- Standard Format Only: While you can choose a fancy number, the plate’s format must follow government regulations. Customisations like different fonts, colours, or other aesthetic changes are not permitted, keeping the design uniform.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Any attempt to modify the design of a fancy number plate can lead to legal penalties. The RTO enforces strict fines to ensure compliance with the prescribed guidelines, and repeated violations may result in more severe consequences.
How to Transfer a Fancy Number Plate
To transfer a fancy number plate to another vehicle, you must first get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This certificate permits you to move the number to the new vehicle. Remember that the transfer is only valid within the same state where the number was initially registered. The process is not applicable across state lines. You will also need to pay a transfer fee, which can vary based on the number’s popularity, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees. This ensures that the transfer is processed legally and smoothly.
Conclusion
Fancy number plates in Andhra Pradesh symbolise status, tradition, and personal expression. Acquiring one involves online registration, an e-auction, and final payment. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the legal regulations and costs associated with obtaining these plates. As more people seek unique registration numbers to personalise their vehicles, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department’s auctions continue to attract individuals wishing to stand out on the road. These auctions provide a platform for people to express their identity while adhering to the legal requirements set by the transport authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions