Vehicle Owners Rush for HSRP as Deadline Nears; Transport Department Issues Fresh Advisory
Vehicle Owners Rush for HSRP as Deadline Nears; Transport Department Issues Fresh Advisory
Only a few days left before the November 30 cut-off; lakhs of vehicles across Maharashtra still non-compliant
With the deadline approaching fast, the Transport Department has urged vehicle owners to complete the mandatory installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). To obtain the plates, owners must register on the official website by entering their RC number, selecting the nearest fitment centre, paying the prescribed fee and booking an appointment. It is compulsory to visit the designated centre on the allotted date for plate installation.
A few months ago, the Maharashtra government declared HSRP mandatory for all vehicles, triggering widespread confusion and a sudden rush. To ease the pressure, the government extended the deadline five times. Yet, a large number of vehicles continue to operate without HSRP. The current deadline is November 30.
In Solapur district alone, out of 9,26,831 registered vehicles, 7,26,918 are still running without HSRP. Officials say this reflects a similar situation in many districts across the state.
The mandate covers all two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers. The RTO and traffic police have the authority to penalise vehicles found without the plate. Roadside checks are being conducted, and non-compliant vehicles may face fines or even temporary confiscation. After the deadline, the fine for a first-time offence will be ₹1,000 under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act. For repeat offences, the penalty may rise, with some estimates suggesting a range of ₹1,000 to ₹10,000.
The Transport Department has specifically ordered all vehicles manufactured before April 2019 to install the advanced HSRP. Although three extensions were granted earlier, response remained poor in districts such as Palghar. The district has 4,78,931 pre-2019 vehicles, but as of October end, only 1,64,582 have installed HSRP, leaving nearly three lakh vehicles pending. With just 28 days left until the final deadline of 30 November 2025, officials have again extended the timeline to push compliance.
HSRP plates, designed to enhance vehicle safety, help authorities identify the owner in case of accidents, theft or misuse. Vehicles manufactured after April 2019 automatically receive HSRP from dealers, but older vehicles require owners to seek installation separately. The initial deadline of April 30 was later extended to June 30, then August 15, and now November 30, 2025. Even today, 3,14,349 vehicle owners in Palghar have not registered for HSRP.
The Transport Department has appealed to all remaining owners to complete the process promptly. Official centres have been opened in various cities, and the online process remains available for convenience.
Across India, HSRP has been compulsory for new vehicles since April 2019. States such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have already enforced strict compliance with fines. The aluminium HSRP comes with a hot-stamped chromium code, pressure rivets and a unique identification number linked directly to the vehicle owner’s registration details, helping curb theft and fake plates.
Vehicle owners can book appointments for HSRP installation at:
http://transport.maharashtra.gov.in
The Transport Department has clarified that no action will be taken if the appointment is booked before November 30, 2025. However, post-deadline inspections by air speed squads will impose strict penalties on vehicles found operating without HSRP.
