Fancy Number Plate in Puducherry

What is a Fancy Number Plate

A fancy number plate in Puducherry, often referred to as a VIP number plate, features unique and special numbers like ‘0001’, ‘9999’, or ‘1111’ that hold cultural or personal significance. These numbers are highly sought after, with many vehicle owners willing to pay a premium to stand out on the road. In some cases, individuals spend large sums of money to secure these distinctive registration numbers, adding a touch of prestige to their vehicles. The process of obtaining a fancy number plate in Puducherry is overseen by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and involves specific procedures and fees.

How to Get a Fancy Number Plate

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

Online Registration

1. Start by navigating to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
    
2. Sign up as a public user to access the auction platform.
    
3. After registering, log into your account.
    
4. Browse the available list of fancy numbers and choose the one you wish to acquire.
    
5. Reserve your selected number by paying the required registration fee.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you can move on to the auction process.

E-Auction Process

1. After registration, participate in the e-auction, where you will compete with others for the fancy number.
    
2. The auction lasts for five days—three days for registration and two days for 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 end of the auction will secure the fancy number.

Final Payment and Allotment

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

Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate

If you’re applying for a fancy number plate in Puducherry, there are important steps and guidelines to follow to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Check the Availability of the Preferred Number Plate: Confirm the availability of your desired VIP or fancy number by visiting the official Parivahan website or a nearby RTO office in Puducherry. This step is essential to ensure your preferred number is open for bidding.
    
2. Immediate Payment Upon Winning Bid: If you win the bid for your chosen fancy number plate, make the payment immediately. Any delays in payment may result in the loss of your selected number.
    
3. Refund Policy if Number is Not Granted: In case your chosen number plate is not allotted after winning the bid, you can apply for a refund. Ensure that the RTO follows the correct refund procedure.
    
4. Mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP): All vehicles in Puducherry, including those with fancy number plates, must have High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). This is required for all vehicle types to meet the latest security standards.
    
5. Compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Having a fancy number plate doesn’t exempt you from following the rules under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Make sure your number plate meets all legal requirements and standards outlined in this Act.

Fees Other Charges

The fees for acquiring a fancy number plate in Puducherry 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

Follow these steps to find out if a fancy number plate is available in Puducherry.

• Step 1: Go to the MoRTH Website
  Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
   
• Step 2: Find ‘Choice Number’
  Click on the option labelled ‘Choice Number’ once you’re on the site.
   
• Step 3: Choose Your State and RTO
  Select Puducherry as your state, then choose your Regional Transport Office (RTO) from the provided list.
   
• Step 4: View Fancy Number Availability
  A list of available fancy numbers will appear for your selection.
   
• Step 5: Complete Registration
  If your chosen number is available, follow the website’s instructions to register and bid for it.

Fancy Number Plate: Challenges and Considerations

Acquiring a fancy number plate in Puducherry can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with unique challenges and considerations. Here’s a concise overview:

Competitive Bidding Process

• Escalating Prices: The bidding for fancy number plates is highly competitive, often leading to rapidly rising prices. This can make it difficult for average buyers to secure their desired numbers, as popular choices may command lakhs of rupees.
   
• Transparency Issues: There have been concerns about the transparency of the bidding process. Allegations of favouritism and manipulation have emerged, raising questions about the fairness of the auction system.

Legal Compliance

• Misuse of Plates: Some vehicle owners have modified their fancy number plates for a more personalised look. However, this can lead to legal complications, as the Puducherry Transport Department enforces strict regulations regarding number plate design.
   
• Penalties: The department actively enforces compliance, and deviations from the prescribed standards—such as using unauthorised fonts or sizes—can result in penalties.

Customisation Restrictions

• Standard Format: Customising fancy number plates beyond the standard format is not allowed. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, mandates specific design, size, and font guidelines for all plates.
   
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Any non-compliance with these standards can lead to legal repercussions, underscoring the importance of adhering to the established regulations.

How to Transfer a Fancy Number Plate

The process of transferring a fancy number plate from one vehicle to another is a necessary legal procedure that requires careful attention to detail. To initiate this transfer, the first step you must take is to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This certificate is crucial as it verifies that no legal restrictions are preventing the transfer, thereby ensuring the transaction’s legitimacy.

Once you have obtained the NOC, you will need to pay a transfer fee. This fee can vary significantly depending on the specific fancy number and the RTO in question. Typically, the costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand rupees.

It is also important to remember that fancy number plates can only be transferred within the same state. If you wish to transfer the number to a vehicle registered in another state, you will need to follow additional procedures. Furthermore, transferring the plate to another owner requires compliance with specific legal processes. 

Conclusion

In Puducherry, fancy number plates represent a unique fusion of tradition, status, and individual expression. The acquisition process is clearly defined, involving online registration, participation in an e-auction, and final payment. However, it is vital to grasp the legal requirements and associated costs. As this trend flourishes, fueled by cultural values and personal preferences, the Puducherry Transport Department’s auctions will remain a prime destination for those eager to make a mark on the roads.

Whether you are seeking status, have superstitious beliefs, or simply wish for a unique identification number, this process paves the way for securing a plate that embodies your essence. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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