What is a Fancy Number Plate?
A fancy number plate in Ladakh, commonly known as a VIP number plate, features unique numbers that are either visually attractive or possess personal, cultural, or symbolic significance. Numbers like ‘0001’, ‘7777’, and ‘1111’ are especially popular among vehicle owners and often command high prices, sometimes reaching lakhs of rupees. The acquisition of these special registration numbers is overseen by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), which implements a structured online registration and auction process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Additionally, the demand for these plates has been rising due to their association with status and individuality. Owners often view them as a reflection of their personality or social standing. The bidding process allows for competitive pricing, and interested buyers must be aware of the legal requirements and procedures involved in obtaining these unique plates.
How to Get a Fancy Number Plate
To acquire a fancy number plate in Ladakh, you must go through a series of steps involving online registration and an e-auction process. Below are the key steps:
Online Registration
The process starts with online registration through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
- Visit the MoRTH website.
- Sign up as a public user and log in.
- Select Ladakh as your state and choose the fancy number from the list available.
- Pay the registration fee to reserve the number and proceed to the auction phase.
E-Auction Process
The next stage is to participate in the e-auction, where you’ll compete with others for your preferred number.
- After registration, participate in the e-auction, which lasts for five days (three for registration and two for bidding).
- Place your bids in increments of ₹10,000 (depending on the category).
- The highest bidder wins the fancy number, and the winner is notified via SMS or email.
Final Payment and Allotment
Once you win the bid, complete the final payment to secure your number plate.
- Pay the remaining amount within five days.
- Obtain the allotment letter, valid for 90 days.
- Use this letter to register your vehicle with the fancy number.
Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate
A number of essential steps and regulations must be followed when applying for a fancy number plate in order to ensure a smooth application process and compliance with state regulations. Remember these things to make sure you go through this procedure successfully:
- Payment Immediately After Winning Bid: You can make your payment immediately after winning the auction for the fancy number plate of your choice. If payment is not received on time, your selected number can be cancelled.
- High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) Requirement: All vehicles, even those with personalised license plates, must carry High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs). This is essential for all types of cars.
- Check to see if the desired license plate is available: To find out if the VIP or fancy number you desire is available, visit a nearby RTO office in Lakshadweep or visit the official Parivahan website. This step is necessary to ensure that the number you have chosen is up for bid.
- Refund Policy if Number Is Not Granted: If you win the auction but do not receive the chosen number plate, you have a right to a refund. Make that the issuing authority adheres to the proper refund procedure.
- Compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988: Having a fancy license plate does not excuse you from adhering to the Act's regulations. Check to make sure your license plate complies with all legal standards and specifications set forth in this Act.
Fees and Other Charges
The cost of a fancy number plate in Ladakh depends on the type of number you choose. The fees are categorised as follows:
| Category | Examples | Base Price for 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler |
| Super Elite Numbers | 0001 | ₹5 lakhs |
| Single Digit Numbers | 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 | ₹1 - 1.5 lakhs |
| Other Popular Numbers | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, Numbers between 0010 to 0099 | ₹ 75000 |
| Semi-Fancy Numbers | 0100, 0222, 0333, 0444, 0555, 0666, 0777, 0888, 0999, etc. | ₹1 lakh |
How to Check Availability of Fancy Number Plates
To check the availability of a fancy number plate in Ladakh, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the MoRTH website:
- Go to the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
Step 2: Select the ‘Choice Number’ option:
- On the website, locate and select the ‘Choice Number’ option.
Step 3: Choose State and RTO:
- Select Ladakh as your state and choose the respective Regional Transport Office (RTO) from the list provided.
Step 4: Browse the list of available numbers:
- Once you’ve chosen your state and RTO, a list of available fancy numbers will be displayed.
Step 5: Proceed with Registration
- If your preferred number is available, you can proceed with the registration and auction process.
Fancy Number Plates: Challenges and Considerations
Obtaining a fancy number plate in Ladakh can be an exciting experience, but it also involves several challenges and factors to consider. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these aspects:
Competitive Bidding Process
- Escalating Prices: The bidding process for fancy number plates is highly competitive, often causing prices to rise rapidly. This can make it challenging for average buyers to secure their preferred numbers, as popular ones may sell for 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 raised concerns about the fairness of the auction system.
Legal Compliance
- Misuse of Plates: Some vehicle owners have tried to modify the design of their fancy number plates to make them more unique or visually appealing. However, this can lead to legal issues, as the Ladakh Transport Department enforces strict regulations regarding the format and design of number plates.
- Penalties: The department actively monitors compliance, and any deviation from the prescribed standards—such as using unauthorised fonts, sizes, or symbols—may result in penalties.
Customisation Restrictions
- Standard Format: Customisation of fancy number plates beyond the standard format is not allowed. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 requires all plates to conform to specific design, size, and font guidelines.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Any deviation from these standards may lead to legal penalties, highlighting the importance of following the prescribed format.
Transfer of Fancy Number Plates
Transferring a fancy number plate from one vehicle to another within Ladakh is possible but requires obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO. The transfer fee depends on the specific number and RTO but usually ranges from a few hundred to some thousand rupees.
Conclusion
Fancy number plates in Ladakh blend tradition, status, and personalisation, allowing vehicle owners to stand out of the crowd on the roads. The process of acquiring these plates is straightforward, involving online registration, an auction, and final payment. However, vehicle owners must ensure compliance with legal guidelines and be prepared for competitive bidding.
Frequently Asked Questions
