If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Mr. Alok Sharma was driving home from his office in the city of Amodpur during a heavy downpour. A major thoroughfare, Kalyani Road, was severely waterlogged, and his car was partially submerged up to the bonnet as he carefully navigated through the flooded street. After he reached his residence, he conducted a routine check of his vehicle and was dismayed to find that the front number plate was missing. It had likely been dislodged by the force of the water. Mr. Sharma was immediately concerned about the legal ramifications and the correct procedure to obtain a replacement, as well as the potential for his lost number plate to be misused for unlawful activities.

Advice in such cases

Losing a vehicle’s number plate is a serious issue that requires immediate action to prevent potential misuse and to comply with the law. Here are the steps you should take:

• Immediately file a police report. This is the most critical first step. It serves as official documentation of the loss and can protect you if the plate is used for illegal purposes.
• Do not drive the vehicle without a number plate, as this is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act and can lead to heavy fines.
• Apply for a duplicate High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) through the designated online portal or by visiting your jurisdictional Regional Transport Office (RTO).
• Keep a copy of the police report and the application for the new number plate in your vehicle at all times until the new plate is installed.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

Applicable Sections of Law

The legal framework governing vehicle registration plates is primarily under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

• Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: This section penalizes the use of a motor vehicle in contravention of the provisions concerning registration. Driving without a number plate is a punishable offense under this section.
• Rules 50 and 51 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: These rules specify the form, dimensions, and manner of display of registration marks, including the mandate for High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs). The process for obtaining a duplicate plate is governed by these rules.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): While losing a plate is not a crime, its potential misuse is. If your lost number plate is used in a crime, the initial investigation might point towards you. A timely police report is crucial evidence to prove your non-involvement. Crimes like theft, cheating, or terrorism committed using a vehicle with your plate would fall under various sections of the BNS.

If you are the complainant

As the owner of the vehicle who has lost the number plate, you are the complainant in this situation when you report the loss.

• Visit the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where you believe you lost the plate, or your local police station.
• Request to file a “Lost Article Report” or a General Diary (GD) entry. If you suspect theft, you must insist on filing a First Information Report (FIR).
• Provide all the necessary details of your vehicle, including the registration number, chassis number, and engine number, as mentioned in your Registration Certificate (RC).
• Obtain a duly signed and stamped copy of the police report. This document is mandatory for applying for a duplicate number plate.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

If you are the victim

In this context, being the “victim” means you are the one who has suffered the loss of the number plate and is vulnerable to its potential misuse.

• Your first priority is to create a legal record of the loss to protect yourself. The police report is your primary shield against any liability arising from the misuse of your number plate.
• After filing the police report, immediately start the process of applying for a new HSRP. This is typically done online through the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) portal or a state-authorized website.
• You will need to upload a copy of the police report and your vehicle’s RC during the online application.
• Keep all communications, receipts, and application acknowledgments related to your request for a new plate.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

How the police behave in such cases

The police are generally accustomed to handling reports of lost documents and articles, including number plates. Their approach is typically procedural.

• For a simple loss, the police will register a Lost Article Report or make an entry in the General Diary. They will provide you with a copy without much hassle.
• If you claim the plate was stolen, they will be required to file an FIR under Section 279 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Theft) and conduct an investigation, which is a more involved process.
• The police are aware that this report is a prerequisite for the RTO process, so they are usually cooperative in providing the necessary document.

FAQs people normally have

• Can I make a temporary, handwritten number plate?
  No, handwritten or improperly formatted number plates are illegal and can attract fines. While some may affix a paper printout of the number along with the police report, its legality is ambiguous and subject to the discretion of traffic officials. It is best to avoid driving the vehicle.
• What if both my front and back number plates are lost?
  The procedure remains the same. You need to mention in the police report that both plates are missing and apply for a new set of HSRPs.
• Do I need to visit the RTO in person?
  Most states have made the application process for duplicate HSRPs online. However, you will likely need to visit an authorized HSRP vendor or dealer for the installation of the new plate.

What evidence is required?

To apply for a duplicate number plate, you will need to furnish the following documents:

• A copy of the police report (FIR or Lost Article Report).
• The original Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle.
• A valid identity and address proof of the vehicle owner (e.g., Aadhaar card).
• A copy of the vehicle’s valid insurance policy.
• The prescribed application form, which is often Form 26 or a specific form for HSRP.
• The challan clearance from the transport department, if applicable.

How long will the investigation take?

This situation does not typically involve a lengthy “investigation” unless theft is suspected. The focus is on the administrative process of getting a replacement.

• Police Report: Getting a copy of a Lost Article Report usually takes only a few hours on the same day.
• HSRP Application and Delivery: The time to receive the new number plate after applying can range from 7 to 15 working days, depending on the state, the city, and the workload of the authorized vendor.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India