Panaji: The installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for newly registered vehicles in Goa is largely in place, with dealers required to install the prescribed plates before registration. The transport department is now turning its attention to older vehicles and is contemplating the use of AI-enabled cameras to detect vehicles plying without HSRPs in the state.“Every new vehicle being registered in the state is fitted with an HSRP by the dealer at the time of registration. The challenge that remains is with older vehicles where owners may have faced difficulties finding authorised vendors,” a transport official said.When the system was initially introduced, dedicated HSRP counters were set up at RTOs across Goa and the installation was being carried out systematically at designated centres. However, as the Covid-19 pandemic hit, rush declined due to restrictions related to social distancing. Many vehicle owners failed to affix the number plate despite reminders by the RTOs.As a result, when the vendor’s contract ended, the HSRP-related services in Goa discontinued.The responsibility has consequently shifted towards vehicle dealerships and empaneled online providers.“Another authorised dealer can facilitate the installation, provided the prescribed procedure is followed. Owners will have to book an appointment and obtain the number plate through the govt-authorised system before it is fitted to the vehicle,” the transport official said.He further said that the plates must conform to the prescribed standards and dimensions for the particular category of vehicle. Vehicles without the prescribed HSRP can attract a Rs 500 fine.“The enforcement challenge persists in the case of older vehicles that have remained on the road for a few years without the new-format security plates. The AI-enabled cameras may help us in detecting such vehicles,” the official said.
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