June 30 new deadline for HSRPs, ₹1k fine on violators from July 1

Pune: State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday said that June 30 will be the new deadline to get high security registration plates (HSRPs) fixed to vehicles registered before April 2019.“Vehicles without HSRPs will be imposed a Rs 1,000 fine from July 1. Previously, the deadline for compliance had been set for Dec 31 last year. Following a review of the progress regarding HSRP installation across the state, a new deadline has been given, which must be followed,” Sarnaik said.“The HSRPs constitute a crucial mechanism for curbing vehicle theft, preventing fake number plate usage and misuse of vehicles in criminal activities. In accordance with the guidelines issued by the Union govt, the HSRPs have been made mandatory for older vehicles within the state. Therefore, all vehicle owners should take advantage of the new deadline and get their HSRPs installed in a timely manner,” the minister added.In recent reports, TOI has highlighted poor compliance with mandatory norms in the state. Out of 2 crore vehicles across the state, only 49% have installed HSRPs so far. In Pune RTO’s jurisdiction, only 9.26 lakh vehicles out of a total of 25 lakh had HSRPs.Vehicle owners are required to visit the official website of the transport department (transport.maharashtra.gov.in) to schedule an appointment for the installation of HSRP.“Vehicles belonging to owners who have failed to install an HSRP within the stipulated deadline – or who have not scheduled an appointment – will be subject to verification through a special road inspection drive commencing July 1. Action will be initiated under the Motor Vehicles Act against violators,” the minister added.The first notification regarding mandatory HSRPs for old vehicles was issued in Dec 2024, after which deadlines were extended several times. In a recent conversation, Sarnaik had said that the department didn’t intend to take any action against those without HSRPs.“But then it came to the fore during a review meeting that the compliance was poor. Moreover, many people were not at all serious about complying. In Pune, for example, the total number of people who had taken appointments stood at just around 11.3 lakh. If people did not take appointments on time, how would the HSRPs get fixed? There, taking penal action becomes necessary,” said a senior department official, adding that “People should exclusively use the department’s website for bookings and avoid falling victim to any agents.”