Only 49% Vehicles in Maharashtra Have HSRP Number Plates Despite Deadline Passing, Pune Compliance Remains Low

Nearly 18 months after the Maharashtra government made High Security Registration Plates mandatory for older vehicles, compliance across the state remains below 50%

Nearly one and a half years after the Maharashtra government mandated High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) for vehicles registered before April 2019. However, as per quoted by TOI, only 49% of eligible vehicles across the state have completed the installation process.

According to transport department data, nearly two crore vehicles in Maharashtra require HSRPs. However, only around 98 lakh vehicles have been fitted with the mandatory tamper-proof number plates so far, highlighting slow compliance despite repeated deadlines and warnings.

The issue is especially significant in Pune, where progress has remained sluggish. Out of nearly 25 lakh vehicles under Pune RTO jurisdiction that require HSRPs, only 9.26 lakh vehicles have completed installation. Officials said around 11.29 lakh vehicle owners have booked appointments, but a large number of motorists are yet to even begin the process.

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik admitted that the progress has been “very disappointing” and said a high-level review meeting will be held next week to address the delays and improve implementation.

The mandatory HSRP drive for older vehicles was first announced in late 2023, followed by multiple deadline extensions. The latest deadline expired on December 31 last year. Despite earlier warnings about fines and strict enforcement, the state government is currently reluctant to take strong action against defaulters.

According to officials, immediate penal action could trigger public resentment. Instead of imposing fines, the government is planning to increase the number of authorised fitment centres and agencies to speed up installations and make appointments easier for citizens.

Transport department officials said lack of public interest has become one of the biggest challenges in the drive. Many vehicle owners either delay appointments or fail to visit fitment centres even after booking slots.

Operators at fitment centres have also reported large numbers of no-shows and unclaimed plates. Some centres claimed they have stopped ordering fresh HSRPs because many customers are not collecting already prepared number plates.

Vehicle owners, meanwhile, have complained that the process is cumbersome and expensive. Many said the absence of strict enforcement or penalties has reduced the urgency to install the plates.

Earlier this year, the transport department had indicated that enforcement action could begin after February 18 for vehicles still without HSRPs. Officials had warned that violators could face fines, while routine checks would also include vehicle documents such as insurance, pollution certificates and driving licences.

HSRPs are tamper-proof aluminium number plates fitted with security features such as chromium holograms and laser-etched identification numbers. They are aimed at improving vehicle tracking, preventing theft and standardising vehicle registration systems across the country.

Officials said the government is now focusing on expanding infrastructure and simplifying the process before taking any major enforcement action.

Disclaimer: Vehicle owners are advised to verify the latest HSRP rules, deadlines and penalty provisions through official Maharashtra Transport Department platforms before taking action.