HSRP Deadline Approaches: Nearly 27 Lakh Vehicles in Maharashtra Yet to Install Mandatory Plates
Only 49% Vehicles in Maharashtra Have HSRP Number Plates Despite Deadline Passing, Pune Compliance Remains Low
With the clock ticking towards the final High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) deadline, transport authorities across Maharashtra are gearing up for stricter enforcement. As of now, close to 27 lakh vehicles in the state are still running without HSRP, even as the December 31, 2025 cut-off draws near.
Officials from the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) confirmed that enforcement action will begin soon, as there has been no announcement of any further deadline extension. The aim, they say, is to push pending vehicle owners to complete compliance at the earliest.
One Crore Applications Filed, Full Coverage Still Pending
The Maharashtra transport department revealed that nearly one crore applications have been received for HSRP installation on vehicles registered before April 2019, covering the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as well as the rest of the state.
Out of these, over 73 lakh vehicles have already been fitted with High Security Registration Plates. The remaining vehicles are expected to complete installation in the coming weeks, though officials admit the pace has slowed due to a surge in last-minute applications.
Deadline Extended Multiple Times, December 31 Was Final
The original deadline for installing HSRP was March 31, 2025, but it was extended several times to give vehicle owners extra time. The transport department has now made it clear that December 31, 2025, was the final deadline, and no further extensions were planned.
Enforcement for commercial vehicles (CVs) began in January 2026, so all vehicles were required to comply by the end of 2025.
A senior transport official stated that since no fresh notification has been issued regarding a deadline change, enforcement measures will be initiated to ensure compliance does not drag on further.
Applications Increased Steadily Throughout 2025
Data shared by officials shows how applications gradually picked up pace during the year, with a sharp rise in the later months:
January 15 – 1,000 applications
February 3 – 1 lakh applications
March 12 – 10 lakh applications
April 16 – 20 lakh applications
May 19 – 30 lakh applications
June 17 – 40 lakh applications
August 12 – 64 lakh applications
December 31 – Nearly 1 crore applications
Officials noted that the sudden spike towards the end of the year resulted in appointment delays at authorized fitment centres, slowing down the installation process despite high demand.
Why HSRP Is Mandatory
The High Security Registration Plate system was introduced following Supreme Court directives to strengthen vehicle identification and curb theft and misuse. All vehicles registered after April 2019 are already issued HSRP at the time of registration.
Authorities clarified that vehicle owners who already have HSRP-compliant plates do not need to replace them again.
Enforcement to Begin Through Checks and Penalties
After the deadline expires, RTOs and traffic police are expected to start inspection drives across Maharashtra. Vehicles found without HSRP may face penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.
However, transport officials indicated that during the initial phase, enforcement will focus more on encouraging compliance rather than immediately issuing fines, giving vehicle owners a brief adjustment period.
More Than a Rule, a Safety Measure
Emphasizing the importance of the initiative, State Transport Chief Vivek Bhimawal highlighted that High Security Registration Plates serve a larger purpose beyond regulation. According to him, they significantly improve vehicle security, help authorities track vehicles more efficiently, and contribute to overall road safety.
With the final deadline now firmly in place and enforcement around the corner, authorities are urging vehicle owners to act quickly and complete the installation process to avoid penalties and last-minute inconvenience.
