Fancy Number Plate in Goa

What is a Fancy Number Plate

A fancy number plate is also considered a VIP number plate with distinct numbers. These may be like '0001', '1111', '4444', or numbers of cultural importance such as '0786'. Citizens part with thousands to hundreds of thousands of rupees to get fancy registration numbers, be unique on the roads, and sometimes overpay for a few digits on a number plate. The procedure of getting such plates is slightly complicated in Goa and is done under the Regional Transport Office's (RTO) control.

How to Get a Fancy Number Plate

To get a fancy number plate in Goa, you must follow a few important steps, starting with online registration and ending with securing the number through an auction. Here's how it works:

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.

Once this is done, you can move on to the auction.

E-Auction Process

The next step is to join the e-auction, where you'll compete with others to get the fancy number.

• Take part in the e-auction after registering.
   
• 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.

After this, you'll need to finalise the process.

Final Payment and Allotment

You must acquire your number and finish the payment after winning the auction.

• You will receive an email and SMS notification if you are the winning bidder.
   
• The remaining balance must be paid in five days.
   
• Receive your letter of allotment, which is good for 90 days.
   
• Utilise this letter to finish registering the car. 

Now, your vehicle can proudly display its new fancy number plate!

Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate

Applying for a fancy number plate in Goa involves following specific guidelines to ensure a smooth and compliant process. From checking availability to meeting payment deadlines, here’s what you need to know to secure your preferred number.

• Check Availability: Verify the availability of your desired VIP or fancy number on the Parivahan website or by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Goa. This check helps confirm that your preferred number is available.
   
• Claim Refund if Unsuccessful: If you do not receive your chosen number plate after winning the bid, you are eligible to claim a refund. This policy ensures fairness in the allocation process.
   
• Timely Payment: Upon winning the bid for your desired number, make the payment immediately. Prompt payment secures your reservation, as any delay may lead to forfeiting the chosen number.
   
• Mandatory HSRP Installation: All vehicles with fancy number plates are required to have High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) installed, as mandated by national vehicle safety standards.
   
• Adhere to the Motor Vehicles Act: All vehicles, regardless of having a fancy number plate, must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Observing these regulations helps avoid penalties and ensures safety on the roads.

Fees and Charges

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

How to Check Availability of Fancy Number Plates 

Here's how to check the availability of a fancy number plate in Goa in a step-by-step format:

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 the ‘Choice Number’ option on the website.

Step 3: Choose State and RTO

• Select Goa 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

• If your preferred number is available, you can proceed with the registration and bidding process by following the instructions on the website.

Challenges and Considerations

Acquiring a fancy number plate in Goa can be exciting but comes with challenges and considerations. Below is a structured overview of these aspects:

Competitive Bidding Process

• Escalating Prices: The bidding process for fancy number plates is highly competitive, often leading to rapidly increasing prices. This can make it difficult for average buyers to secure their desired numbers, as popular numbers may fetch lakhs of rupees.
   
• Transparency Issues: There have been instances where the transparency of the bidding process has been questioned. Allegations of favouritism or manipulation have surfaced, leading to concerns about the fairness of the auction system.

Legal Compliance

• Misuse of Plates: Some vehicle owners have attempted to alter the design of their fancy number plates to make them more visually appealing or unique. This misuse can lead to legal challenges, as the Goa Transport Department has strict regulations regarding the format and design of number plates.
   
• Penalties: The department actively enforces compliance, and any deviation from the prescribed standards—such as using unauthorised fonts, sizes, or symbols—can result in penalties.

Customisation Restrictions

• Standard Format: Customising fancy number plates beyond the standard format is prohibited. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, mandates that all plates conform to specific design, size, and font guidelines.
   
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Any deviation from these standards can result in legal penalties, emphasising the importance of adhering to the prescribed format​.

How to Transfer Fancy Number Plates 

• If you need to transfer a fancy number plate from one vehicle to another, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO. 
   
• This step is crucial to ensuring that the transfer is legally recognised.
   
• The fee for transferring a fancy number plate varies depending on the specific number and the RTO. 
   
• It typically ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees. 
   
• It's important to note that the transfer can only be done within the same state, and the number cannot be transferred to a different owner without following proper legal procedures​.

Conclusion

The process of acquiring these fancy number plates in Goa is well-defined, involving online registration, an e-auction, and final payment. However, it also requires a clear understanding of the legal obligations and the associated costs. As the trend continues to grow, driven by cultural and personal preferences, the Goa Transport Department's auctions will remain a hotspot for those seeking to make a statement on the roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

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