Fancy Number Plate in Arunachal Pradesh

What is a Fancy Number Plate

A fancy number plate in Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as a VIP number plate, is a licence plate featuring unique or special numbers that hold significance. These can include numbers like ‘0001’, ‘9999’, or culturally meaningful numbers such as ‘0786’. Owning such a number plate is seen as a status symbol, with many vehicle owners willing to spend considerable amounts to secure these coveted numbers. The process of obtaining a fancy number plate in Arunachal Pradesh is overseen by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It involves a structured bidding or auction process, similar to other states.

How to Get a Fancy Number Plate

To obtain a fancy number plate in Arunachal Pradesh, you’ll need to follow a series of essential steps, starting with online registration and culminating in securing your desired number through an auction. Here’s how the process works:

Online Registration

1. Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
    
2. Sign up as a public user to gain access to the auction process.
    
3. After registering, log into your account.
    
4. Browse the available list of fancy numbers and choose the one you wish to acquire.
    
5. Pay the Registration Fee

Once you’ve completed these steps, you can proceed to the auction phase.

E-Auction Process

1. Participate in the e-auction after you have registered.
    
2. The auction will run for five days—three days are dedicated to registration, followed by two days for the actual bidding.
    
3. Place your bids in increments of ₹10,000 (note that some categories may allow smaller increments).
    
4. The highest bidder at the auction’s conclusion will secure the fancy number.

Final Payment and Allotment

1. After winning the auction, you’ll need to finalise the payment.
    
2. Expect to receive a notification via SMS and email confirming your successful bid.
    
3. Ensure that the remaining amount is paid within five days.
    
4. After payment, you will receive an allotment letter that is valid for 90 days.
    
5. Use this letter to register your vehicle, allowing it to showcase its new fancy number plate proudly!

Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate

Applying for a fancy number plate in Andhra Pradesh involves several important steps and regulations to make the process smooth and ensure compliance with state guidelines. Here are the key points to remember:

1. Check the Availability of the Preferred Number Plate:
   Before applying, verify if your desired VIP or fancy number is available. You can check this on the official Parivahan website or by visiting your nearest RTO office in Arunachal Pradesh. This step ensures that your chosen number is open for bidding.
    
2. Immediate Payment Upon Winning Bid:
   Once you win the bid for your selected fancy number plate, make the payment immediately. Delays in payment can result in the forfeiture of the chosen number, so be prompt to secure it.
    
3. Refund Policy if Number is Not Granted:
   If the chosen number plate is not allotted after you win the bid, you are eligible for a refund. Make sure that the issuing authority follows the proper refund procedure.
    
4. Mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP):
   High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) are mandatory for all vehicles in Arunachal Pradesh, including those with fancy number plates. This rule is in place for added safety and security.
    
5. Compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988:
   Having a fancy number plate does not mean you’re exempt from the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Your fancy number plate must still comply with all legal standards and guidelines outlined in this Act to avoid penalties.

Fees and Charges

The fees for acquiring a fancy number plate in Arunachal Pradesh vary depending on the category of the number you choose. The following table shows the various fancy number categories:

How to Check the Availability of a Fancy Number Plate

Here’s how to check the availability of a fancy number plate in Arunachal Pradesh in a step-by-step format:

Step 1: Visit the MoRTH Site

Start by going to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.

Step 2: Click on ‘Choice Number’

Look for the ‘Choice Number’ option and click on it.

Step 3: Select Arunachal Pradesh and RTO

Choose Arunachal Pradesh as your state, and then select your Regional Transport Office (RTO) from the list.

Step 4: Check for Available Numbers

After your selections, you’ll see a list of fancy numbers that are currently available.

Step 5: Proceed with Your Registration

If you find an available number that you want, follow the instructions on the website to register and bid.

Fancy Number Plate: Challenges and Considerations

Acquiring a fancy number plate in Arunachal Pradesh can be an exciting venture, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

Competitive Bidding

• Rising Costs: The process of bidding for fancy number plates is intensely competitive, often resulting in escalating prices. This makes it tough for average buyers to land their preferred numbers, especially as popular choices can fetch lakhs of rupees.
   
• Concerns Over Transparency: The bidding system has faced scrutiny regarding its transparency, with reports of favouritism and manipulation leading to questions about the integrity of the auction process.

Compliance with Regulations

• Potential Misuse: Some vehicle owners have tried to modify their fancy number plates for a more distinct look. However, such alterations can lead to legal issues since the Arunachal Pradesh Transport Department strictly regulates the design and format of number plates.
   
• Enforcement of Penalties: The department is vigilant about compliance, and any deviations from the established standards—such as unauthorised fonts or sizes—can result in penalties.

Restrictions on Customisation

• Adherence to Standard Formats: Customisation beyond the standard design of fancy number plates is not permitted. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 specifies that all plates must follow particular guidelines regarding design, size, and font.
   
• Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance: Deviating from these prescribed standards can lead to legal repercussions, emphasising the necessity of following the established regulations.

How to Transfer a Fancy Number Plate

If you are considering transferring a fancy number plate from one vehicle to another, it is vital to follow the proper procedures to ensure that the transfer is legally valid. The first step in this process is to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This document is essential for affirming that there are no legal issues regarding the transfer and that the number plate is clear of any encumbrances.

Once you have the NOC, the next step involves paying a fee, which can vary based on the specific fancy number and the RTO’s fee structure. Generally, this fee can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees.

It is crucial to note that the transfer can only be completed within the same state. If you wish to transfer the number plate to a vehicle registered in another state, you will need to go through additional legal procedures. Moreover, transferring a fancy number plate to a different owner requires adherence to specific legal protocols. 

Conclusion

Fancy number plates in Arunachal Pradesh offer an exciting blend of tradition, prestige, and personalisation. The path to acquiring these plates is clearly laid out, requiring online registration, engagement in an e-auction, and making the final payment. However, understanding the legal obligations and the associated costs is equally important. As the popularity of these plates grows, driven by cultural factors and personal choices, the Arunachal Pradesh Transport Department’s auctions will continue to be a focal point for individuals looking to stand out on the roads.

Whether your interest stems from a desire for status, cultural significance, or simply a quest for uniqueness, the process allows you to obtain a number plate that truly reflects your individuality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More:

Fancy Number Plate in Himachal Pradesh

Fancy Number Plate in Andhra Pradesh

Fancy Number Plate in Chandigarh