Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is reportedly earning a profit under the guise of introducing high-security registration plates (HSRPs) for older vehicles, with an estimated ₹200 crore expected to flow into the state exchequer through a project in which neither the government nor the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has any direct involvement.

According to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the vehicle manufacturers’ association supplies high-security number plates at ₹767 per car, inclusive of tax and installation charges. However, the state government has fixed the rate at ₹1,000, of which ₹300 is directed to the government.

The government’s share is ₹300 for cars and ₹100 for two-wheelers. The contract for distributing high-security plates in Kerala was finalised after a lengthy legal battle.

The MVD has no authority over the installation of number plates, as the central government has appointed authorised agencies for the task. Dealers attach the plates, which are tamper-proof and include a security seal that prevents counterfeiting. Any attempt to remove the plate causes visible damage.

All new vehicles now come equipped with high-security plates, while vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, must retrofit them. This directive covers at least 1.5 crore vehicles in the state.

For fixing the number plates, the vehicle owners need not pay extra charges to intermediaries or approach the transport department. High-security number plates can be ordered directly through the ‘Make My HSRP’ website, which operates under the supervision of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

By providing vehicle registration details, owners can select a convenient dealer and make payments online. The cost is ₹400 for two-wheelers and ₹700 for four-wheelers, excluding tax.

Vehicles without high-security number plates could face fines of up to ₹3,000 when crossing state borders.