In India, while it is largely illegal to modify your car, there are some ways it is still possible. These legal car modifications are largely cosmetic in nature; such as vinyl body wrapping, cosmetic body kits, accessories, better tyres, and alloy wheels to name a few. However, special number plates are something that’s catching on nowadays, and is yet another way to personalise your car, and it doesn’t get any more bespoke than a 0001 VIP number plate.
Unlike the other customisations mentioned, VIP number plates can’t just be bought from a preferred modification shop. In fact, there’s a process involved, and certain conditions that are required to be met. It may be a more complex process to get a VIP number plate. But as far as car modifications go, getting a personalised number plate is definitely one of the more unique ways to make your car stand out. Given that, what constitutes a VIP number plate? Who can apply for it? What is the process involved in acquiring a VIP number plate, and how much is a 0001 number plate’s price? Our guide to VIP number plates in India answers just those questions, and a few more.
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What Are VIP Number Plates?
It is important to understand what a VIP number plate is. If you look at a typical Indian number plate, there are four key elements. Let’s use the following number plate as an example: MH 12 DV 1876.
The first two letters (MH) denote the federal state or union territory that the car has been registered in. The next two numbers (12) indicate the regional transport authority within the state or territory. The following two letters (DV) show the current series of registration numbers, and the final four numbers (1876) are unique to the plate in question.
VIP number plates differ in that they are typically made up of either repeated digits, special sequences, or even letters. So if you spot a number plate that has something like 0001, or 4444, or 9999 in it, you would be right to assume that the number plate has been paid for.
Learn about 0001 Number Plate Prices in India
Understandably, of all the VIP numbers, ‘0001’ is one of the most coveted. If you’re inclined to get those digits for your car’s registration, be prepared to pay a minimum amount of ₹5 lakh. However, the minimum cost of a 0001 number plate can vary from state to state, depending on the auction.
How To Get A 0001 Number Plate
If you are keen on getting a special number plate for your car, these VIP plates are auctioned, and the process is carried out online. The following are the steps involved in getting VIP plates for your car:
1) Head to the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) and register yourself.
2) Next, go through the list of available VIP numbers and select the one that appeals to you the most and is within what you’re willing to bid.
3) Pay the registration fees for your desired number plate.
4) Bid on the plate of your choice.
5) If, at the end of the bidding process, your amount is the highest, then the plate will be allocated to you. You will have to pay the final amount within five days of winning or risk losing the allotment. Post this, an allotment letter will be allocated to you, which you should keep handy for future reference.
Checking Availability Of 0001 Number Plate
The process of checking whether the 0001 plate you require is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Parivahan website. Once there, make sure to go through the following steps:
1) Fill out all the details, including the desired state you want to register the vehicle, your name, and other contact details.
2) Once tcompleted, a list of available car numbers will be displayed. This list will include information such as registration number, reserve price, and category of each number.
E-Auction Process For 0001 Number Plate
For the purpose of transparency and fairness, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways holds online auctions for the VIP numbers requested by vehicle owners.
The online auction involves interested bidders placing competitive bids for their chosen registration numbers. Depending on the number category, they can place as many bids as they want in multiples of ₹10,000 or ₹1,000.
Categories Of VIP Number Plates Explained
There are five distinct categories of VIP number plates and they all attract differing amounts as a base bid. Additionally, the base bid for these number plates also differ from state to state. Here is a list of the five categories of VIP number plates, and the cost in Delhi:
1) 0001 number plates: The most expensive of the lot. Prices for these number plates start at ₹5 lakh.
2) 0002-0009 number plates: The price for this range of numbers starts at ₹3 lakh.
3) 0010-0099, 0786, 1000, 1111, 7777, 9999: These numbers come with a starting price of ₹2 lakh.
4) 0100, 0101, 0108, 0111, 0200, 0222, 0300, 0333, 0400, 0444, 0500, 0555, 0600, 0666, 0700, 0800, 0888, 0900, 0999, 1008, 1313, 2000, 2222, 3000, 3333, 4000, 4444, 5000, 5555, 6000, 6666, 7000, 8000, 8888, 9000: This category will set you back a minimum of ₹1 lakh.
5) Any other VIP number outside of the previous four categories will come with a starting price of ₹75,000.
Eligibility Criteria For VIP Number Plates
As the process above makes clear, the only eligibility criterion for a VIP number plate is having the money to pay for it. Regardless of where you are in the country, your individual status, or even the make of your car, you can apply for a VIP number plate.
Is There A Tangible Benefit To Getting A VIP Number Plate?
Simply put, no. VIP number plates don’t have any real benefits. Think of VIP number plates as a way to express oneself, stand out, or be remembered. It also would not be a stretch to say that people use a VIP number plate, much like the car that it’s attached to, as a show of wealth – a practice followed in various countries around the world.
Things To Keep In Mind While Getting A VIP Number Plate
Getting a VIP number plate can be a great way to set yourself apart from the crowd. That said, there are a few things that should be kept in mind before applying for one, namely:
1) VIP number plates are not cheap, especially the 0001 number plates. Be sure to have the money ready once you have placed your bid.
2) A VIP number plate is still a legitimate way for authorities to identify your car, so be sure to only make the purchase from an authorised source.
3) Follow all the required steps and documentation processes involved.
4) If you are planning to sell your vehicle in the near future, be sure to check whether your VIP plate can be transferred. Typically, ownership transfer is regulated and resale in the open market is prohibited.
5) A VIP plate is not a free pass to flout traffic rules and regulations.
6) A VIP number plate is not the same as a Bharat (BH) Series number plate.
7) A single-digit number plate is illegal in India.
Processing Time For VIP Number Plates
Once you have completed the registration process, the bidding process takes approximately five days to complete. Upon completion of the bidding process, the winner is notified via SMS and Email.
The following period is crucial as the winning bidder must make the remaining payment online within five days from the declaration date. Once the payment is complete, an allotment letter, valid for 90 days for vehicle registration, is generated.
Legal Standards For VIP Number Plates
Just like a regular number plate, any car bearing a VIP number needs to be inserted onto a high-security registration plate, or an HSRP. This is a non-negotiable rule that has come into effect from April 1, 2019 onwards, as part of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. But what exactly is an HSRP? Here’s what you need to know:
1) HSRPs are standardised aluminium plates, hot-stamped with chromium, which feature a 10-digit PIN along with a hologram. They’re designed to enhance the security and the traceability of vehicles.
2) HSRPs can be tracked using a laser recognition system and also can be detected by on-road cameras that are ANPR-enabled.
3) The fonts and styles used on HSRPs are standardised.
Conclusion
VIP number plates are a great way to enhance your vehicle’s ability to stand out in a crowd. Just like any other serious modification, though, VIP numbers for your car come at a hefty price.
The process behind acquiring a VIP number plate is also straightforward and efficient, thanks to the bidding system that ensures that anyone can acquire one as long as they have the funds to back up the purchase.
FAQs
Q. Why is the number 0001 considered a VIP number plate?
There’s no definitive answer, but the combination of being rare, in demand, and the first number, makes 0001 a VIP number.
Q. What is 0001 VIP number plate price in Haryana?
The minimum bid amount for the 0001 number plate in Haryana is ₹5 lakh.
Q. What is 0001 VIP number plate price in Bihar?
The minimum bid amount for the 0001 number plate in Bihar is ₹1 lakh.
Q. What is 0001 VIP number plate price in Delhi?
The minimum bid amount for the 0001 number plate in Delhi is ₹5 lakh.
Q. What is 0001 VIP number plate price in Punjab?
The minimum bid amount for the 0001 number plate in Punjab is ₹5 lakh.
Q. What is 0001 VIP number plate price in Odisha?
The minimum bid amount for the 0001 number plate in Odisha is ₹1 lakh.
Q. What is 0001 VIP number plate price in Maharashtra?
The minimum bid amount for the 0001 number plate in Maharashtra is ₹3 lakh.
Q. What is 0001 VIP number plate price in Mumbai?
The minimum bid amount for the 0001 number plate in Mumbai is ₹3 lakh.
Q. Where can I check the availability of a 0001 number plate?
One can check the availability of the 0001 special number plate on the mParivahan website.
Q. Is there an eligibility criteria to get the 0001 number plate in Haryana?
No, there is no eligibility criteria to apply and bid for a 0001 number plate in Haryana.
Q. Can I transfer my 0001 VIP number plate to another vehicle?
It depends on which state the vehicle is in, but the transfer of VIP numbers are typically regulated.