Special Correspondent
Pune: In a bid to enhance vehicle security and curb the growing problem of vehicle theft, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner’s Office has announced a strict deadline for the installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) on all vehicles registered before April 2019. Vehicle owners across the state must complete the installation process by March 31, 2025, or face fines and legal penalties.
This initiative will affect over two crore vehicles in Maharashtra. The new HSRPs are designed to provide tamper-proof, uniform identification, making it more difficult for vehicles to be altered or counterfeited. After the deadline, any vehicle without an HSRP will be subject to fines and enforcement actions under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and local police will be tasked with ensuring compliance and imposing penalties on non-compliant vehicles.
To comply, vehicle owners must visit their nearest RTO to submit the required documents and pay the installation fee. The installation costs are Rs 450 for two-wheelers, Rs 500 for three-wheelers, and Rs 745 for four-wheelers (including cars, trucks, and buses), excluding GST. Without the HSRP, no vehicle-related registration transactions will be processed, including transfers and ownership changes.
The state government has selected three agencies to manage the nationwide rollout of HSRPs. These agencies will ensure that all eligible vehicles are fitted with the new plates before the deadline. The HSRPs feature advanced security features, including a retro-reflective film, a chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram, the blue ‘IND’ mark, and a unique 10-digit laser-engraved serial number—making the plates highly secure and tamper-resistant.
In addition to the HSRP, a third registration mark sticker will also be affixed to the vehicle. Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring both the plate and the sticker are installed by the March 31 deadline.
The introduction of HSRPs is a significant step toward improving vehicle identification and security. These plates will not only help deter vehicle theft but also simplify the process of verifying ownership, improving the tracking of vehicles in case of disputes or criminal activities.
As the March 2025 deadline approaches, vehicle owners in Maharashtra must take immediate action to ensure compliance with the new regulations. This initiative aims to bring greater security, accountability, and uniformity to the roads—making it essential for all vehicle owners to secure their vehicles with HSRPs without delay.
