AMRITSAR: Vehicles without valid High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) will no longer be supplied petrol, diesel or CNG at fuel stations in Amritsar, according to an order issued Monday by Commissioner of Police Harmanbir Singh Gill.
The restriction will also apply to vehicles whose registration plates have been removed, damaged, broken, replaced or altered. “Petrol, diesel, or CNG will not be supplied to vehicles sans valid High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) properly affixed at both the front and the rear,” the order said. The directions will remain in force until November 20, 2026.
Emergency vehicles exempt
Vehicles carrying valid temporary registration numbers have been exempted from the restriction. Ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and those providing other essential emergency services will also continue to receive fuel even if they fall outside the general requirement.
The order places responsibility on fuel stations to check whether vehicles arriving for refuelling have valid HSRPs properly displayed at both ends before supplying petrol, diesel or CNG.
Fuel stations have also been asked to prominently inform motorists about the restriction. Each outlet must put up an information board measuring at least 3x3 feet near its entrance, with the warning displayed in both Punjabi and English.
CCTV footage for 30 days
As part of the enforcement mechanism, all fuel stations have been directed to keep their CCTV cameras operational and ensure that the registration plates of vehicles entering the premises are recorded. The footage will have to be preserved for at least 30 days.
The police have also laid down a procedure for dealing with motorists who create a disturbance after being denied fuel. Pump operators have been asked to immediately contact the nearest police station or dial the emergency helpline 112 if a law-and-order situation arises.
“If an individual creates a disturbance or a law-and-order issue after being refused fuel due to the absence of a number plate, petrol pump operators have been directed to immediately inform the nearest police station or call emergency helpline 112,” the order said.
Action for violations
The police warned that action could be initiated not only against vehicle owners and drivers but also against fuel pump owners or employees found violating the directions.
“Action will be taken against vehicle owners, drivers, or petrol pump owners/employees who violate these orders, under the relevant sections of the BNSS, 2023, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988,” the order said.
HSRPs are standardised vehicle registration plates equipped with security features intended to make tampering and duplication more difficult. By linking fuel supply to compliance with the registration-plate requirement, the Amritsar Police order seeks to ensure that vehicles operating in the city can be properly identified and traced.
The restrictions will remain applicable across fuel stations under the Amritsar Police Commissionerate until November 20 unless they are withdrawn or modified earlier.
Meta title: No HSRP, no petrol, diesel or CNG in Amritsar
Meta description: Amritsar Police barred fuel sales to vehicles without valid HSRPs and ordered pumps to retain CCTV footage for at least 30 days.