HSRP Color Coded Stickers Explained: What Do They Mean & Who Needs Them?
- What is an HSRP Color-Coded Sticker?
- Color Codes Explained: What Does Your Vehicle Need?
- 1. Light Blue Sticker
- 2. Orange Sticker
- 3. Grey / Green Sticker
- Is the Color-Coded Sticker Mandatory for Two-Wheelers?
- Is it Mandatory for Cars? What is the Challan?
- How to Apply for an HSRP Sticker Only?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting an HSRP number plate is just the first step. If you look closely at vehicles on the road today, you will notice a colored sticker pasted on the top left corner of the windshield.
Many vehicle owners ask us: "I already got my HSRP plates installed, why is traffic police still stopping me?"
The answer often lies in the missing Color-Coded Sticker (officially known as the Third Registration Mark). In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about these stickers, what the colors mean, and whether your vehicle actually needs one.
What is an HSRP Color-Coded Sticker?
The color-coded sticker is a hologram sticker pasted on the inside of a car's windshield. It acts as the "Third Registration Mark" (the front and rear HSRP number plates are the first two).
This sticker contains vital details about your vehicle that traffic police and automated ANPR cameras can scan from a distance:
- The Registration Number of the vehicle
- The Registering Authority (RTO code)
- A laser-branded PIN
- Engine Number & Chassis Number
But most importantly, the background color of the sticker instantly tells authorities what type of fuel your vehicle uses. This helps in implementing pollution control measures, like banning certain fuel types in Delhi-NCR during high pollution days.
Color Codes Explained: What Does Your Vehicle Need?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has assigned specific colors based on the fuel type of your vehicle.
1. Light Blue Sticker
For Petrol and CNG Vehicles If your car runs on Petrol or CNG, you will be issued a Light Blue sticker. Because Petrol and CNG are considered relatively cleaner fuels, these vehicles are often exempted from severe pollution-related bans.
2. Orange Sticker
For Diesel Vehicles Diesel vehicles are issued an Orange sticker. Diesel engines produce higher particulate matter, and during severe smog or GRAP (Graduated Response Action Plan) implementation in cities like Delhi, Orange sticker vehicles are usually the first to face driving restrictions.
3. Grey / Green Sticker
For Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs) have green HSRP plates, but they also get a specific sticker to denote their zero-emission status. Some hybrid vehicles are issued grey stickers to mark them differently from standard petrol/diesel cars.
Is the Color-Coded Sticker Mandatory for Two-Wheelers?
No. This is the biggest misconception among vehicle owners. Color-coded stickers are ONLY for four-wheelers (Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Commercial Vans) that have a windshield.
If you ride a bike, scooter (like Honda Activa or Royal Enfield), you only need the front and rear HSRP number plates. You do not need a sticker, and the police cannot issue a challan for a missing sticker on a two-wheeler.
Is it Mandatory for Cars? What is the Challan?
Yes. For all four-wheelers, having the color-coded sticker is 100% mandatory alongside the HSRP plates.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, the sticker is legally part of the High Security Registration Plate system. If you have the plates but are missing the windshield sticker, you can be fined ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 depending on your state.
Note: If your windshield breaks and you replace it, you must apply for a replacement sticker immediately.
How to Apply for an HSRP Sticker Only?
If you already have HSRP plates but your sticker is missing, damaged, or faded due to sunlight, you don't need to buy the metal plates again. You can apply for a "Sticker Only" replacement.
Instead of navigating complex government portals and dealing with appointment clashes, you can let EasyKagaz handle it. We process both complete HSRP sets and "Sticker Only" requests with direct home delivery options in available pin codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I lost my HSRP sticker. Do I have to buy the metal plates again? A: No, you do not need to replace the metal plates. You can apply for a "Sticker Only" replacement through authorized portals or via EasyKagaz.
Q: Are color-coded stickers required for bikes and scooters? A: No. Two-wheelers do not have a windshield and are exempt from the color-coded sticker requirement. You only need the front and rear metal HSRP plates.
Q: How much is the challan for a missing HSRP sticker? A: The challan for not having a valid color-coded sticker on a four-wheeler ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, similar to the penalty for missing HSRP plates.
Q: Does the sticker have an expiry date? A: The sticker itself does not expire, but if it becomes faded, scratched, or unreadable, it is legally considered invalid and must be replaced to avoid challans.
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