Fancy Number Plate in Meghalaya

What is a Fancy Number Plate

In Meghalaya, a fancy number plate is usually a licence plate with distinctive, eye-catching, or culturally significant numerals. Numbers with symbolic meaning, such as '0001', '9999', '1111' and '0786', are frequently found on these plates. Some people use these plates to display their uniqueness, while others consider them status symbols and shell out a lot of money to obtain them.

These elegant fancy plates are issued under the direction of the Meghalaya Transport Department using an electronic auction mechanism. Similar to other regions of India, Meghalayan fancy numbers can command high prices; the most sought-after combinations can cost as much as ₹5 lakhs. Prices start at ₹1 lakh.

How to Get a Fancy Number Plate

You must take several vital procedures to obtain a fancy number plate in Meghalaya. These stages begin with online registration and end with winning your preferred number at auction. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Online Registration

To acquire a fancy number plate in Sikkim, register online to access the auction system.

• Begin by going to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
   
• To use the auction system, register as a public user.
   
• Once you have registered, sign in to your account.
   
• Select the desired fancy number by looking through the list of available ones.
   
• After paying the required registration money, you can reserve the number of your choice.

Once you've accomplished these steps, you can continue to the auction process.

E-Auction Process

Now that the first step is done, next is the e-auction process, the steps of which are mentioned here:

• After registration, participate in the e-auction, where you'll bid against others for the fancy number.
• The auction lasts five days—three days for registration and two days for actual bidding.
• Place your bids in increments of ₹10,000 (note that some categories may allow smaller increments).
• The highest bidder at the end of the auction will secure the fancy number.

Once you've accomplished these two steps, you can continue 

the allotment process.

Final Payment and Allotment

After the auction, you must make the final payment for the number plate.

• You will receive a notification via SMS and email confirming your successful bid.
   
• Ensure that the remaining amount is paid within 5 days.
   
• After payment, you will receive an allotment letter valid for 90 days.
   
• Use this letter to register your vehicle, allowing it to display its new fancy number plate!

And there you have your number plate!

Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate

In order to guarantee a seamless procedure and adherence to state legislation, applying for a fancy number plate in Meghalaya requires a number of crucial stages and restrictions. The following are essential things to remember in order to complete this process correctly:

• Verify if the preferred number plate is available: Visit a local RTO office in Meghalaya or check the official Parivahan website to confirm if the VIP or fancy number you want is available. To make sure the number you have selected is up for bid, you must do this step.
   
• Payment Right Away After Winning Bid: When you win the auction for the fancy number plate of your choice, you can pay right away. Your chosen number may be forfeited if payment is delayed.
   
• Refund Policy if Number Is Not Granted: You are entitled to a refund if, after winning the auction, you do not receive the selected licence plate. Verify that the issuing authority adheres to the correct refund protocol.
   
• High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) Requirement: All vehicles, including those with custom licence plates, are required to have HSRPs. In Meghalaya, this is a must for all kinds of vehicles.

Fees and Charges

Depending on the type of number you select, there are different costs associated with getting a fancy number plate in Meghalaya. The several fancy number categories are displayed in the table below:

How to Check Availability of Fancy Number Plates

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find out if fancy number plates are available in Meghalaya.

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
   
• Step 2: Look for and pick the "Choice Number" feature on the homepage.
   
• Step 3: Select Meghalaya from the list of states, then select the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that corresponds to you.
   
• Step 4: Look up available fancy numbers. A list of fancy numbers currently in stock will appear.
   
• Step 5: If your desired number is available, you can move forward with the registration and bidding process by following the website's instructions.

Fancy Number Plate: Challenges and Considerations

Getting a customised fancy number plate in Meghalaya can be a fun and challenging endeavour. Below is a detailed synopsis of the main elements at play:

Competitive Bidding Process
 

• Escalating Prices: The bidding for fancy number plates is fiercely competitive, often resulting in soaring prices. As a result, average buyers may find it challenging to secure their preferred numbers, especially when popular choices can fetch lakhs of rupees.
   
• Transparency Issues: Concerns about the transparency of the bidding process have arisen recently. The allegations of favouritism and manipulation affect the perceived fairness of the auction system.

Legal Compliance
 

• Misuse of Plates: In an effort to give their fancy number plates a more distinctive look, some car owners have tried to alter them. The Meghalaya Transport Department maintains stringent laws governing the design and format of number plates. Therefore, making such adjustments may result in legal complications.
   
• Penalties: The government actively monitors compliance. Any deviations from the established standards—such as unauthorised typefaces, sizes, or symbols—can result in hefty penalties.

Customisation Restrictions
 

• Standard Format: Customisation of fancy number plates in any way beyond the normal format is not permitted. All number plates must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which specifies requirements for typeface, size, and design.
   
• Fines for Non-Compliance: It is essential to follow the recommended format since any variation from these requirements may result in legal fines.

How to Transfer Fancy Number Plates

In Meghalaya, getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is the first step in transferring a fancy number plate from one car to another. Before taking any further action, this document must be obtained to guarantee the legal validity of the transfer. The cost of changing a fancy number plate varies based on the particular number and the RTO. It usually ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees, depending on the number's worth and demand.

Notably, fancy number plate changes are only allowed within the same state; interstate transfers are prohibited. Moreover, the number cannot be changed to belong to another person without all the necessary documentation.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, acquiring a fancy number plate in Meghalaya offers prestige and personal expression, transforming a simple licence plate into a status symbol. The process involves navigating competitive e-auctions and adhering to legal requirements, making it essential for potential buyers to be well-informed about the procedures and costs involved. 

While the appeal of these unique plates continues to rise, understanding the associated challenges, such as compliance and the competitive nature of bidding, is crucial for a successful acquisition. Ultimately, for those willing to invest time and resources, a fancy number plate can reflect individuality on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore more:

Fancy Number Plate in Goa

Fancy Number Plate in Maharashtra

Fancy Number Plate in Tripura