Nagpur: Time is running out for vehicle owners in Nagpur who are still ignoring the mandatory High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) installation. Despite repeated deadline extensions, public awareness campaigns, and clear government directives, nearly half of the eligible vehicles in the city are still plying on roads with old number plates, a serious violation that is now set to invite strict punitive action.
Official figures paint an alarming picture. Out of 8,72,473 eligible vehicles (registered before April 1, 2019) in Nagpur City (MH-31) and Nagpur East (MH-49), only 52% and 55% respectively had registered for HSRP before the December 31 deadline. The situation is even more concerning in Nagpur Rural (MH-40), where merely 50% of 5.62 lakh eligible vehicles complied within the stipulated time.
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Nagpur RTO Kiran Bidkar has made it clear that enforcement action is imminent. “Strict action will definitely be taken against defaulters once we receive formal orders from the State Transport Commissioner,” the officer said. The message is unambiguous, leniency is over.
Across Maharashtra, over one crore vehicles are still running on outdated number plates, exposing a glaring disregard for compliance. Authorities have now decided to crack down firmly.
State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar has announced that from February 18, strict enforcement will begin against vehicles without HSRP. Vehicle owners who registered before December 31 but are yet to install the plates have been granted a final 15-day grace period. “Those who completed registration on time deserve a fair opportunity, which is why enforcement will begin after February 18,” Bhimanwar stated.
However, there will be no relief for those who registered after December 31 or have not registered at all. Such violators will face an immediate fine of Rs 1,000, and that may not be the only penalty.
The Transport Department has clarified that the enforcement drive will not be limited to HSRP alone. Vehicles found without valid Registration Certificate (RC), Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, insurance, or driving licence will attract additional fines. In short, defaulters may face multiple penalties in a single inspection.
With enforcement teams preparing for action, February 18 could mark the beginning of an intensive crackdown on city roads. Vehicle owners have been given repeated warnings, and this time, the authorities appear determined to act without further extensions.
The choice is now clear: install HSRP immediately or be ready to pay the price.
