The Maharashtra government has made High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) mandatory for all vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, with enforcement set to begin from July 1, 2026. Vehicle owners failing to comply with the directive could face penalties of up to Rs 1,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The decision is aimed at strengthening vehicle security, curbing the use of fake number plates, and improving the identification and tracking of vehicles across the state.
Announcing the move on Thursday, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the government had extended the deadline for HSRP installation to June 30, 2026, after reviewing the pace of implementation and considering the inconvenience faced by vehicle owners.
Earlier, motorists had been asked to complete the process by December 31, 2025.
Government Cites Security Concerns Behind Mandatory HSRP Rollout
According to the Maharashtra Transport Department, HSRP is designed to improve road safety and reduce criminal misuse of vehicles. The tamper-proof registration plates come with security features that help authorities identify vehicles more efficiently and prevent duplication of number plates.
Sarnaik said the move aligns with guidelines issued by the Central government, which has directed states to ensure the installation of HSRP on older vehicles as part of a nationwide vehicle security initiative.
He said the registration plates would help authorities tackle cases involving vehicle theft, forged registration plates, and the use of vehicles in unlawful activities.
Vehicle Owners Asked to Book Appointments in Advance
The Transport Department has advised vehicle owners to complete the process well before the revised deadline to avoid last-minute delays. Motorists have been asked to book appointments through the department’s official portal for the installation of the number plates.
Officials clarified that only vehicles that have completed HSRP installation or booked appointments before June 30, 2026, would be considered compliant with the directive.
The government also urged citizens to avoid unauthorised agents and middlemen while registering for HSRP services. Authorities warned that applications and bookings should be made only through the official system to prevent fraud or overcharging.
Special Inspection Drives Planned From July 2026
The Transport Department will begin special inspection drives across Maharashtra from July 1, 2026, to identify vehicles that have failed to install HSRP within the stipulated period.
Sarnaik said enforcement teams would verify vehicles during roadside checks, and violators would face legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act. A compounding fee of up to Rs 1,000 may be imposed on owners found operating vehicles without HSRP after the deadline.
The minister appealed to vehicle owners to complete the process on time and cooperate with the government’s efforts to improve vehicle security and transparency in the transport system.
