Full-Form of A/F On Number Plate
Do you wish to know what does A/F stands for? A/F represents Applied For. It has been a previous notation on the newly purchased number plates of the vehicles. Every vehicle is required to be registered under the Motor Vehicle Act 1989. Yes, it’s against the law to drive without an A/F plate in India and can draw heavy fines, and even the vehicle can be bonded. Every car that rolls off the showroom now receives either a temporary number or a permanent number in compliance with the state.
A / F is in the written form on the number plate of various vehicles. Now you know the full form of A/F on the number plate, which means 'Applied for'. But are you well aware of its meaning and reason? Let us know further about its reason and what does a/f means on a vehicle's number plate.
(Image Will be Updated Soon)
Meaning of Applied For (A/F)
A/F on a vehicle denotes "Applied For". Let’s get to know exactly what does A/F means on a vehicle's number plate. If A/F is written on a number plate of a vehicle; it simply implies that the owner of the vehicle had applied for the permanent registration number of the vehicle and that the traffic department has granted him/her to write A/F on the number plate until the time the permanent registration number is not assigned to the owner.
Every vehicle should be registered under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989. It is regarded as being unlawful to drive without a registration number. Whenever a vehicle, either 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, or 4-wheeler, is driven out of the showroom, it is assigned a temporary registration number. If a vehicle has not been assigned a temporary number, then the A/F is written on its number plate.
Fine Or Penalty Charged On The Violation Of Vehicle Registration Rule
Do you know how much fine will be charged on the violation of the rule? According to the Central Motor Vehicle Rule (CMVR), a vehicle owner/driver is not allowed to drive without a registration number. Driving a vehicle without a registration number is considered a crime and furthermore penalized. Driving a vehicle with an A/F plate also comes in the category of the crime, given that there are certain guidelines for getting and writing an A/F on the vehicle.
There has been a long-held myth amongst people that they can run vehicles after printing A/F on the number plate for an unlimited time. However, that is just not the case. It is a complete misconception, and you need to remember that if you get caught driving the vehicle without a proper registration number, then you will be liable to be fined up to Rs.10,000, or else your vehicle can also be seized.
As per the rules, the vehicle registration number must be obtained within a week. However, at the time of the investigation campaign, officials discovered that people did not register vehicles even after a month. That being said, in most cases, it is an error of dealers. People who are having issues obtaining the vehicle registration number from their automobile dealers can file a complaint with the RTO of their area.
Officials have also brought to notice that almost every automobile dealer has violated the rules. But, RTO possesses the right to extend notice of terminating the trade certificate of the dealers who break the rules.
Vehicle Checking
Each automobile dealer of their particular area needs to take separate trade certificates in order to sell different types of vehicles. Each dealer possesses a distinct trade certificate number. The trade certificate number which is issued by the dealer for the new vehicle must not be regarded as the permanent registration number.
What Is a Trade Certificate Number
A trade certificate number is a number that is being allocated by the RTO to the dealer. Trade certificate number needs to be printed and pasted on the number plate of the new vehicles. However, using this number as a temporary number for a long period of time is a violation of vehicle registration rules and thus a crime. By pasting the trade certificate number on the number plate, the new vehicle is allowed to be driven till the permanent number of the vehicle is available and this time span can be up to a maximum of one week.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it could be said that obtaining the registration number is mandatory for all the owners of new vehicles. It is not only legal but in the interest of the common men and the country as well.
FAQs on Applied For
Q1. Why is the registration number on vehicles mandatory?
You are now already aware of what does A/F means on a vehicle's number plate. It is quite natural to think about why the government is so bothered about vehicle registration in the country. The main reason behind vehicle registration is linked with the safety of the people. It may be that an individual commits a crime or causes an accident by taking help from such a vehicle that does not contain a valid registration number. IN such a case, it would be quite difficult for the police to catch hold of the offender. Thus, it is very important and in the best interests of the people that the new vehicle obtains a registration number at the earliest.
Q2. Is writing A/F on the vehicle number plate illegal?
Yes. If you are driving a vehicle having written A/F on its number plate for more than a week, then it will be considered illegal. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has allocated you this facility (to print AF) only for a time span till the Permanent Registration Number of the vehicle is not produced. As soon as you have a Permanent Number, you will be required to write a Permanent Number instead of A/F on the vehicle (bike, car, truck, etc.).
