Nagpur: With the December 31, 2025 deadline for installing High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) now over, transport authorities in Maharashtra are preparing to step up enforcement, as nearly 27 lakh vehicles across the State are yet to comply with the mandatory requirement.
Officials from the State Transport Department said that although close to one crore applications have been received for HSRP installation on vehicles registered before April 2019, complete compliance remains pending. Of these, more than 73 lakh vehicles have already been fitted with HSRP, while the remaining cases are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
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No further extension has been announced beyond December 31. The deadline, originally fixed for March 31, 2025, was extended multiple times before being declared final at the end of last year. “Since there has been no notification on any fresh extension, enforcement measures will now be initiated to accelerate compliance,” a senior transport official said.
Applications peaked towards year-end
Data released by the department shows a sharp rise in applications throughout 2025, particularly in the latter half of the year. Applications rose from just 1,000 in mid-January to 1 lakh by early February, crossing 10 lakh in March and steadily climbing to 40 lakh by June. The numbers jumped further to 64 lakh by August and reached nearly one crore by December 31.
Officials said the late rush led to appointment bottlenecks at authorised fitment centres, causing delays in installation despite timely applications by vehicle owners.
Why HSRP is mandatory
HSRP installation is compulsory for all vehicles registered before April 2019, in compliance with Supreme Court directives aimed at improving vehicle traceability and curbing theft. Vehicles registered after April 2019 are already fitted with HSRP at the time of registration. Transport officials clarified that vehicle owners who already have HSRP-compliant plates are not required to replace them.
Checks and penalties likely
With the deadline now over, Regional Transport Offices and traffic police are expected to begin inspections in the coming days. Vehicles found without HSRP may face penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act. However, officials indicated that initial enforcement will focus on ensuring compliance rather than imposing fines immediately.
The Transport Department has urged remaining vehicle owners to complete the process at the earliest to avoid inconvenience during enforcement drives.
