In a major crackdown on traffic violations and crime prevention, Rajkot police have ordered fuel stations to deny service to vehicles lacking valid High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).

  • Rajkot police have banned fuel sales to vehicles without authorized registration plates.
  • The mandate specifically targets vehicles with missing, tampered, or fancy/illegible plates.
  • The order is issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023.
  • The directive is effective immediately and remains in force until October 26, 2026.

In a decisive move to enhance public safety and curb criminal activities, the city police of Rajkot, Gujarat's fourth largest city, have implemented a strict new directive. Fuel retailers across the city have begun turning away motorists whose vehicles lack authorized High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).

Starting Tuesday, August 18, petrol, diesel, and CNG stations in the Saurashtra region's largest city began enforcing the order. Customers attempting to refuel with missing, bent, or 'fancy' custom-sticker plates were denied service, leading to significant discontent at several stations. However, authorities have maintained that there will be no compromise on this policy.

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Legal Framework and Enforcement

The notification was issued by Rajkot Commissioner of Police Brajesh Kumar Jha under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS). This section empowers magistrates to issue urgent orders to prevent danger to human life, health, or public safety—a provision similar to the erstwhile Section 144 of the CrPC.

The mandate is comprehensive, covering two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers. It specifically targets vehicles with plates that are broken, rubbed-off, muddied, or tampered with. Exceptions have been carved out for emergency vehicles and new vehicles using provisional temporary plates while awaiting RTO registration.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this initiative is a strategic move to combat organized crime. By ensuring every vehicle is identifiable via a legal HSRP, the police aim to eliminate the anonymity often exploited by criminals during robberies and thefts.

Additional Commissioner Chaitanya Mandlik noted, 'About 10 days ago, we encountered a massive loot case where the vehicle used had fake registration plates.'

With major festivals like Navratri and Diwali approaching, the Rajkot police are prioritizing crime prevention. To mitigate friction, the police held consultations with the Rajkot Petrol Diesel Dealers’ Association, ensuring retailers are supported rather than punished, provided they comply with the law.

Did You Know?: Fuel retailers who disobey this lawful order can be booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this rule apply to new vehicles?
No, vehicles with valid temporary number plates or those awaiting RTO numbers are exempt.

2. What is the duration of this order?
The current notification is set to remain in force until October 26, 2026.