HSRP Deadline Nears: Only 30% Pune Vehicles Compliant, Massive Action Expected After November 30
HSRP Deadline Nears: Only 30% Pune Vehicles Compliant, Massive Action Expected After November 30
Transport department warns of strict action as Pune’s HSRP compliance remains low despite multiple extensions.
Pune is heading into the final days of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) deadline, with compliance levels still far below expectations. The state government has already extended the deadline five times, but officials say there will be no more extensions after November 30. Action on non-compliant vehicles is expected to begin immediately if the date remains unchanged.
Pune has more than 24 lakh registered vehicles eligible for HSRP installation. However, only around 7.56 lakh vehicles have actually completed the process, leaving nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles still without number plates even after registration. The transport department has clarified that this figure may rise further as lakhs of vehicle owners have not yet even registered for the plates.
Statewide, the challenge is much larger. Maharashtra has 2.43 crore vehicles that fall under the mandatory HSRP rule for models manufactured before April 1, 2019. Out of these, 47.23 lakh vehicles have installed the plates, while 87.15 lakh have completed registration. This means over 1.08 crore vehicles are yet to begin the process, raising concern for authorities as the deadline approaches.
According to Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, action against non-compliant vehicles will start after November 30 as per government directives. A ministerial meeting is expected within a week to finalise the exact enforcement plan. Officials have already indicated that vehicles without HSRP may face fines of ₹1,000 and checks by both RTO teams and traffic police.
Low compliance has been linked to several issues. Vehicle owners have complained about delays in online registration, slow delivery of number plates, and reports of central drivers demanding extra payment for installation. The rush at fitment centres has also increased sharply, with many struggling to book slots before the deadline.
In Pune, the RTO notes that responses from vehicle owners have been slow from the beginning. Even though awareness campaigns were held repeatedly, the installation rate remained close to 30 percent. With only a few days left, authorities expect a last-minute surge but say it will not be enough to cover the backlog.
The HSRP system aims to curb vehicle theft, improve identification, and ensure uniformity in number plate design. The plates come with features like a chromium-based hologram, permanent laser numbering, and a non-removable snap lock mechanism. Officials say these security features are essential and this is why strict enforcement is required.
If no extension is announced, Pune could see action on around 1.5 lakh vehicles starting next week, with statewide checks expected for more than one crore vehicles. Authorities have advised owners to complete the installation immediately to avoid penalties and traffic checks.
