India’s HR88B8888 Number Plate Sold for Record Rs 1.17 Crore

The vehicle registration number HR88B8888 has achieved a record status as the most expensive number plate in India, selling for Rs 1.17 crore during an online auction held by the Haryana government on March 15, 2024. This exclusive plate sparked intense competition, with 45 bidders participating on the portal fancy.parivahan.gov.in.

Bidding began at a base price of Rs 50,000, rapidly escalating as the auction progressed. By midday, the bidding had reached Rs 88 lakh, ultimately concluding at the significant figure of Rs 1.17 crore at 17:00. The high interest in this VIP registration number reflects a growing trend in the state for premium vehicle numbers.

Growing Popularity of Premium Number Plates

The Haryana government conducts weekly electronic auctions for premium registration numbers. Interested parties can submit applications from Friday evening to Monday morning, followed by live bidding until Wednesday. This recent auction underscores a notable increase in the demand for personalized number plates. For instance, another special number, HR22W2222, sold for Rs 37.91 lakh just a week prior.

The appeal of the HR88B8888 plate lies in its visual appeal, as the letter “B” closely resembles the number “8.” This creates an almost continuous sequence of “88888,” which many buyers consider auspicious and distinctive. Officials provided a breakdown of the plate’s structure:

– HR: Haryana registration code
– 88: Specific Regional Transport Office (RTO) jurisdiction
– B: Vehicle series
– 8888: VIP numeric sequence

Authorities indicate that as the demand for unique and symbolic number plates continues to rise, high-value auctions are increasingly common, particularly among luxury vehicle owners. The strong interest in such registrations highlights a cultural inclination towards personalization and status symbolization in vehicle ownership across the region.

As auctions like this gain traction, they reflect not only the monetary value of unique number plates but also their significance as coveted possessions in modern society.