What is a Fancy Number Plate
A fancy number plate, often known as a VIP number plate, has uncommon or distinctive patterns such as '0007,' '1234,' or culturally important numerals like '0786.' People regularly pay large sums of money, sometimes in lakhs of rupees, to get these unique plates for the purpose of making their automobiles stand out of the crowd. In Maharashtra, getting such plates is a complex process supervised by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
How to Get a Fancy Number Plate
To get a fancy number plate in Maharashtra, you need to 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
To get a fancy number plate in Maharashtra, first register on the (MoRTH) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official webpage. Here's how you can accomplish it:
- Visit the MoRTH website.
- Open a profile as a public user.
- Access your profile.
- Pick the fancy number you need from the given selections.
- Pay up the necessary registration fees and reserve the desired number.
Once you've completed these procedures, you may proceed to the bidding phase.
E-Auction Process
The following step is to enter the e-auction to win the beautiful number plate. This is how it works.
- After completing the registration, you can participate in the online auction.
- The auction runs for five days, including three days for registrations and two days for bidding.
- Bid in instalments of ₹10,000; however, some categories might accept lower amounts.
- The person with the highest bid will receive the particular fancy number.
- After winning, you must finish the finalisation procedure.
Final Payment and Allotment
After acquiring the bid, follow the steps below to complete the number plate purchase:
- You will receive a text confirming your winning bid via email and SMS.
- Pay up the outstanding debt within five days.
- Receive the allocation letter, which is only applicable for 90 days.
- Use this particular letter to complete the car registration process.
- Once these processes are finished, your car will be prepared to show off its new elegant number plate.
Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate
Applying for a fancy number plate in Maharashtra involves specific guidelines and steps. To ensure a hassle-free experience, following key points on payment, availability, reservation periods, and compliance with state and national regulations is important.
- Immediate Payment: After successfully bidding for your desired registration number, ensure you pay immediately at the cash counter, either the same day or the next day before 2:30 p.m.
- Refund Option: If you win the bid but do not receive the selected number, you can request a refund.
- Compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act: Adhere to all regulations under the Act 1988, even with a fancy number plate.
- Check Availability: Verify your preferred number’s availability on the Parivahan website or at your local RTO in Maharashtra.
- HSRP Requirement: An HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate) is mandatory for vehicles with fancy numbers.
- Auction for Competing Bids: If multiple applicants request the same number, it will be issued through an auction.
- Reservation Period: Fancy numbers can be reserved for up to 30 days, after which they must be assigned during vehicle registration.
- Request for Additional Registration: For the Non-Transport series, submit a written request to the RTO clerk to register a unique vehicle on plain paper.
Fees and Charges
The cost of a fancy number plate in Maharashtra differs greatly based on the kind of number selected. The table below lets you know about the various kinds of fancy number plates and their prices:
Category | Examples | Base Price for 2-wheeler | Base Price for 4-wheeler |
Super Elite Numbers | 0001 | ₹1 lakh | ₹6 lakh |
Single Digit Numbers | 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 | ₹50,000 | ₹2.5 lakh |
Other Popular Numbers | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999,0010 to 0099 | ₹25,000 | ₹1 lakh |
Semi-Fancy Numbers | 0100, 0222, 0333, 0444, 0555, 0666, 0777, 0888, 0999, etc. | ₹15,000 | ₹70,000 |
How to Check Availability of Fancy Number Plates
To check the fancy number plate in Maharashtra availability, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Access the MoRTH Portal
- Start by visiting the authorised website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Step 2: Click 'Choice Number'
- On the homepage, look for the ‘Choice Number’ option and click on it.
Step 3: Choose Your State and RTO
- Select Maharashtra as your state and then pick the Regional Transport Office (RTO) relevant to you from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: View Available Numbers
- Once you've chosen your state and RTO, a list of available fancy number plates will be displayed.
Step 5: Register and Participate in Bidding
- If your preferred number is listed, you can move forward by registering on the site and following the prompts to participate in the bidding process.
Challenges and Considerations
Acquiring a fancy number plate in Maharashtra can be an exciting process, but it also comes with specific challenges and considerations. Here’s a detailed overview of the fundamental aspects to remember:
Competitive Bidding Process
- Rising Costs: The competition for fancy number plates is intense, often leading to significant price increases. This can make it difficult for average buyers to secure their desired numbers, as popular options may cost lakhs of rupees.
- Transparency Concerns: The bidding process has been criticised for its lack of transparency. There have been concerns about favouritism and manipulation, which have led to doubts about the fairness of the auction system.
Legal Compliance
- Improper Use of Plates: Some vehicle owners attempt to alter the appearance of their fancy number plates to make them stand out more. However, this misuse can lead to legal problems, as the Maharashtra Transport Department enforces strict rules regarding the format and design of number plates.
- Fines: The department rigorously enforces these regulations, and any deviations—such as using unapproved fonts, sizes, or symbols—can result in fines.
Customisation Restrictions
- Standard Format: Modifying fancy number plates beyond the approved design is not allowed. As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, all plates must follow specific guidelines related to design, size, and font.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to obey all these regulations can result in legal penalties, highlighting the importance of complying with the prescribed format.
How to Transfer Fancy Number Plates
- To transfer a fancy number plate from one vehicle to another, you must first secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO. This certificate is crucial for the transfer to be legally recognised.
- The cost of transferring a fancy number plate varies depending on the specific number and the RTO, generally ranging from a few hundred to several thousand rupees.
- Transfers are only permitted within the same state, and you must follow the proper legal procedures to transfer the number to a different owner.
Conclusion
Fancy number plates in Maharashtra offer a unique blend of tradition, status, and personal expression. The process to acquire these plates is well-defined, involving steps like online registration, participation in an e-auction, and completing the final payment. However, it’s crucial to know the legal obligations and associated costs before embarking on this journey. As cultural and personal preferences drive the rising demand for distinctive plates, the Maharashtra Transport Department’s auctions will likely continue to attract individuals eager to stand out on the road.
Whether driven by a desire for status, superstition, or simply wanting a unique identifier, the process provides a straightforward path to securing a number plate that truly reflects your personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
