How to Get a Digital Number Plate in Bangladesh

In our country, digital number plates have been widely adopted for a large number of motorcycles and cars since the government's announcement at the beginning of 2023. We believe this new initiative by our government and BRTA will be quite effective in preventing bike theft and facilitating easy tracking. This electronic number plate can be installed on all types of bikes, new or old. To do this, you will need to follow a few simple steps. In today's report, we will learn about digital number plates for bikes and how to obtain one for your bike.

What is a Digital Number Plate and What Does It Contain?

Motorcycle number plates are primarily used to officially register all bikes on the road, grant them legality, and officially record all essential information related to the bikes. Since the advent of digital number plates, many additional benefits and possibilities have been added to this entire process. With these number plates, cars or motorcycles can be tracked, and traffic control becomes easier than before.

These plates utilize various advanced technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), cameras, and wireless communication devices, which allow each vehicle to be identified and its complete information retrieved from a database. Many also know these new types of bike number plates as Intelligent Number Plates or Electronic Number Plates.

Digital number plates help a biker keep their bike safe and ascertain its location at various times. Knowing the real-time location of all vehicles in road traffic situations makes it easier to identify, monitor, and control traffic. This way, traffic control authorities can better manage road situations, reduce congestion, and enhance security.

Electronic number plates contain an encrypted code that provides a unique ID for each vehicle. With this ID, all essential information about the vehicle can be retrieved from the database, such as registration details, owner information, and even its past history of legal violations. This encrypted code is then associated with other ID information like license plate numbers, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), or RFID tags for verification. All this data is stored in a central database, which law enforcement agencies use to identify and track any criminal vehicles.

In addition to providing secure IDs for vehicles, digital number plates can offer many benefits to riders. For instance, it will be possible to digitally pay highway tolls, bridge tolls, etc., without stopping at various toll booths. There will be no need to carry various paper documents like insurance cards while riding, and parking fees will also be integrated into an automatic payment system. Authorities will also be able to identify and address any traffic law violations immediately.

How to Apply for a Digital Number Plate

Required Documents:

• Receipt for payment of prescribed fees.
• Attested photocopy of the motorcycle registration certificate.
• Attested photocopy of the fitness certificate.
• Attested photocopy of the tax token documents.

How to Apply:

• First, collect a deposit slip or assessment slip from BRTA and fill it out according to the blue-book.
• Find out the required fees and charges from the BRTA authorities and get the assessment slip signed and sealed.
• Deposit the money at the designated bank and provide an active mobile number. After the money is deposited, the bank will provide you with two printed copies of the payment receipt.
• Within a few days of depositing the money, an SMS will be sent to your mobile number regarding providing biometrics for number plate registration.
• On the date mentioned in the SMS, you must physically present yourself at the BRTA office to provide your biometrics.
• After providing biometrics, BRTA authorities will send another SMS informing you about the completion of digital number plate registration.
• Usually, this SMS arrives within one month. However, if you do not receive an SMS, you can send an SMS yourself to take an appointment for collecting the number plate.

If a rider wants to take an appointment to install an electronic number plate on their bike, they must send an SMS from their phone in the following format:

NP<space>A<space>Date and send to 6969.

For example, to take an appointment on the 15th of the current month, write NP A 15 in the SMS and send it to 6969.

The return SMS will inform you of the appointment date and time for installing the digital number plate. Afterwards, on the day and time mentioned in the SMS, the rider must be present at the respective BRTA office with their bike, along with the payment receipt and necessary documents.

Cost of Bike Registration and Digital Number Plate Installation

The total cost of registration and number plate installation can vary depending on the bike's CC and weight. Basically, the digital registration certificate, RFID digital number plate, and inspection fee remain the same for any bike. Only the registration fee differs based on the CC amount, and the road tax varies depending on the weight. The amounts of these fees are mentioned below:

• Registration Fee – 4200 BDT (50-100 CC bike),

5600 BDT (101-150 CC bike)

• Digital Registration Certificate – 540 BDT
• RFID Digital Number Plate – 2200 BDT
• Inspection Fee – 450 BDT
• Road Tax - 5000 BDT (Weight <90 kg)

10000 BDT (Weight >90 kg)

It is important to note here that 15% VAT will be added to all fees, and then the total cost will be informed by the BRTA office. Therefore, one should go for registration with adequate preparation.

Conclusion

The digital number plate system is an innovative and groundbreaking solution for tracking and controlling the vast number of collection of motorcycles on the roads. To ensure maximum safety for your beloved bike, reduce daily travel hindrances, and prevent traffic law violations, this electronic number plating system can be another successful step towards building a Digital Bangladesh. For the sake of the country and yourself, register for a digital number plate for your bike or car today.