What is a Fancy Number Plate
A fancy number plate, often referred to as a VIP number plate, features unique or culturally significant numbers like '0001', '9999', or '0786'. These plates are considered prestigious and are sought after by individuals looking to stand out on the roads. Many people are willing to invest significant amounts to acquire these special registration numbers, seeing them as a symbol of status and personal expression. The process of obtaining a fancy number plate in West Bengal is overseen by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), with specific regulations and bidding procedures in place.
How to Get a Fancy Number Plate
To acquire a fancy number plate in West Bengal, you'll need to follow several key steps, starting with online registration and securing your desired number through an auction. Here's how the process works:
Online Registration
- Begin by going to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website.
- Sign up as a public user to gain access to the auction system.
- After registering, log in to your account.
- Browse through the list of available fancy numbers and choose the one you want.
- Reserve your selected number by paying the necessary registration fee.
Once you've completed these steps, you can move on to the auction process.
E-Auction Process
- After registration, participate in the e-auction, where you'll bid against others for the fancy number.
- The auction lasts for 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.
Final Payment and Allotment
- Once you win the auction, you need to finalise the payment.
- You will receive a notification via SMS and email confirming your successful bid.
- Ensure that the remaining amount is paid within five days.
- After payment, you will receive an allotment letter that is valid for 90 days.
- Use this letter to register your vehicle, allowing it to display its new fancy number plate!
Things to Remember While Applying for a Fancy Number Plate
When applying for a fancy number plate in West Bengal, there are a few essential things to remember. Here’s a breakdown to help guide you through the process:
1. Check the Availability of the Preferred Number Plate
- Verify if your preferred VIP or fancy number is available. You can check this on the official Parivahan website or by visiting your nearest RTO office in West Bengal. This step helps you ensure that the number you want is open for bidding.
- After winning the bid for your preferred fancy number plate, make the payment right away. Any delay in payment could result in losing the right to use that number.
3. Refund Policy if Number is Not Granted
- If you win the bid but are not assigned the chosen number plate, you may request a refund. Make sure to follow up with the issuing authority to ensure the refund process is completed correctly.
4. Mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP)
- In West Bengal, all vehicles, including those with fancy number plates, are required to have High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). This is a must for all vehicle owners.
5. Compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Owning a fancy number plate doesn’t mean you are exempt from following traffic laws. Your number plate must still meet all regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 . This includes rules regarding plate size, font style, and visibility.
Fees and Charges
The fees for acquiring a fancy number plate in West Bengal vary depending on the category of the number you choose. The following table shows the various fancy number categories:
Category | Examples | Base Price For 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers |
| Super Elite Numbers | 0001 | ₹5 lakhs |
| Single Digit Numbers | 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009 | ₹3 lakhs |
| Other Popular Numbers | 0786, 1111, 7777, 9999, Numbers between 0010 to 0099 | ₹2 lakhs |
| Semi-Fancy Numbers | 0100, 0222, 0333, 0444, 0555, 0666, 0777, 0888, 0999, etc. | ₹1 lakh |
How to Check the Availability of Fancy Number Plates
This is how you can check for the availability of fancy number plates in West Bengal, laid out in a step-by-step format.
- Step 1: Access the MoRTH Portal
Navigate to the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Step 2: Click on 'Choice Number'
Locate and select the 'Choice Number' feature on the homepage.
- Step 3: Select Your State and RTO
Choose West Bengal from the state options, then pick your specific Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- Step 4: Check Available Numbers
You will then see a list of fancy numbers that are currently available.
- Step 5: Begin the Registration Process
If you find a number you like, follow the site's instructions to proceed with registration and bidding.
Fancy Number Plate: Challenges and Considerations
Acquiring a fancy number plate in West Bengal can be an exciting yet challenging endeavour. Here's a structured overview of the key aspects involved:
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, with allegations of favouritism and manipulation affecting the perceived fairness of the auction system.
Legal Compliance
- Misuse of Plates: Some vehicle owners have attempted to modify their fancy number plates for a more unique appearance. Such alterations can lead to legal issues, as the West Bengal Transport Department enforces strict regulations regarding the design and format of number plates.
- Penalties: The department actively monitors compliance, and any deviations from the mandated standards—such as unauthorised fonts, sizes, or symbols—can result in significant penalties.
Customisation Restrictions
- Standard Format: Customisation of fancy number plates beyond the standard format is prohibited. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, requires that all plates adhere to specific design, size, and font guidelines.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Any deviation from these standards may incur legal penalties, highlighting the importance of conforming to the prescribed format.
How to Transfer Fancy Number Plates
When you wish to transfer a fancy number plate from one vehicle to another, it's essential to follow a structured process to ensure that the transfer is legally recognised. The first step involves obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This certificate is vital as it confirms that there are no legal impediments to the transfer and that the number plate is free of any encumbrances.
Following the receipt of the NOC, the next step is to pay the requisite transfer fee. The fee can differ based on the specific fancy number and the policies of the RTO. Generally, these fees can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees, depending on the popularity and demand for the number plate.
Conclusion
Fancy number plates in West Bengal provide an intriguing mix of tradition, prestige, and personal expression. Obtaining these plates is straightforward, involving online registration, participation in an e-auction, and making a final payment. However, it is essential to understand the legal requirements and costs involved. As the demand for fancy number plates continues to rise, fuelled by cultural significance and individual preferences, the West Bengal Transport Department's auctions will remain a central hub for those wishing to make a statement on the roads.
Whether your motivation is status, superstition, or a simple desire for something distinctive, the acquisition process can lead you to a number plate that genuinely represents your identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
