Update: Maharashtra Extends HSRP Deadline To December 31; Over 65% Vehicles Still Pending
Update: Maharashtra Extends HSRP Deadline To December 31; Over 65% Vehicles Still Pending
State transport department grants fifth extension as compliance remains low; action to follow after new deadline.
The Maharashtra transport department has once again extended the deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), this time pushing it to December 31. This marks the fifth extension, prompted by low compliance across the state and rising concerns over the increasing number of old vehicles still running without the mandatory plates.
Authorities said that out of the more than 2.40 crore vehicles in Maharashtra manufactured before April 1, 2019, only around 65% have completed the HSRP fitment so far. Earlier reports indicated that issues like delayed plate delivery, challenges in online registration, and additional charges allegedly demanded by some private service providers slowed down the process.
Transport officials confirmed that this will likely be the final extension. After December 31, strict action will be taken against vehicle owners who fail to comply. As per the current enforcement plan, fines of ₹1,000 may be imposed, and traffic police have been instructed to prepare for state-wide checks starting January.
The extension was announced after the department’s review meeting, where senior officials noted that vehicle owners needed more time due to high backlogs at fitment centres. Despite the repeated deadline shifts, authorities clarified that the rule itself remains unchanged: every vehicle registered before April 2019 must install HSRP as per Union Ministry guidelines.
Mumbai, Pune and other urban centres continue to show mixed response levels. Pune, which has seen frequent reminders from the RTO, still has a significant pending load as thousands of vehicles remain without the required plates.
Officers also said that while many vehicles sport decorative, customised or “fancy” plates, these do not qualify as HSRP under national road-safety norms. Only plates issued by authorised vendors will be recognised during verification drives.
With the new deadline now set for December 31, the transport department has appealed to all vehicle owners to schedule appointments early and avoid last-minute rush. Enforcement and penalty decisions are expected to move forward immediately after the year-end review.
