Maharashtra Extends HSRP Deadline to December 31 as Compliance Remains Low
Maharashtra pushes HSRP installation deadline to December 31 due to low compliance; over 65% of eligible vehicles still await mandatory plates.
Pune| December 01, 2025: The Maharashtra Transport Department has extended the deadline for installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on older vehicles to December 31, 2025. This marks the fifth extension since the regulation was introduced, and reflects growing concern over a large backlog of vehicles yet to comply with the mandatory rule.
Out of the more than 2.40 crore vehicles in the state registered before April 1, 2019, only around 35–40% have completed HSRP fitment so far. In several districts — including major urban centres — a majority of vehicles continue to operate without the required security-coded plates. The low compliance rate has been attributed to delays in plate delivery, technical difficulties with online registration portals, and reported extra charges charged by some private vendors.
Authorities are firm in warning that this will likely be the final extension. From January 2026 onwards, strict enforcement is expected. Vehicles without valid HSRP are likely to face fines — preliminary notifications suggest a penalty in the range of ₹1,000, along with possible seizure or immobilization during traffic checks. RTOs and traffic police have been instructed to conduct statewide verification drives once the new deadline passes.
Vehicle-owners have been urged to act promptly and book appointments for HSRP fitment well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute rush and possible penalty. Officials note the request is especially crucial for older two-wheelers, cars and light commercial vehicles which form the bulk of non-compliant vehicles; failure to comply could severely impact daily commuting and registration status.
HSRP compliance is not just a regulatory hurdle — it serves a larger public-safety and crime-prevention purpose. Tamper-proof registration plates with unique laser-etched identifiers significantly reduce chances of vehicle theft, cloning and misuse in crimes. In densely populated and traffic-heavy regions of the state, uniform and traceable registration plates help law enforcement track vehicles involved in accidents or criminal activities more efficiently.
Still, many owners remain sceptical — some cite long wait times, others complain of limited number of authorised centres and confusion over fee structure. Transport authorities now plan awareness drives, mobile fitment vans, and weekend workshops in RTO offices to accelerate adoption. They hope these steps will help clear the backlog before the enforcement deadline.
As the December 31 cutoff approaches, vehicle-owners across Maharashtra — including Pune and surrounding regions — must ensure compliance. What began as a safety initiative may soon become a source of stress for thousands if rushed at the last minute. Early action and widespread adoption remain the need of the hour.
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