The Maharashtra government has declared August 15 as the final deadline for the installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) on old vehicles. However, activists and former transport department officials have raised serious concerns over widespread irregularities and non-compliance in the implementation process.
HSRPs, introduced to prevent vehicle theft through tamper-proof and standardized plates across states, are reportedly being fitted incorrectly. Activists allege that instead of the mandated snap-locks, regular nuts and bolts are being used. They also pointed out issues such as incorrect plate sizes, wrong colour coding, and faded or illegible lettering—factors that not only compromise the intended security benefits but also make the plates prone to damage.
Following a lengthy tender process, the state had appointed three companies to install HSRPs on approximately 2.10 crore vehicles registered before April 2019, in accordance with Section 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). For newer vehicles, manufacturers are required to fit the HSRPs at the time of registration, as per government directives.
While the HSRP mandate for older vehicles was announced in December 2024, an internal assessment earlier this year revealed that nearly 10 lakh vehicles registered after April 2019 are still without the plates.
Highlighting the issue, a retired RTO official from Pune shared his experience: “I got an HSRP installed on my SUV on January 17, but instead of the required snap-locks, it was fitted with a plastic case. The plate fell off just two days later while I was driving to Nashik. I have written to the transport commissioner, demanding action against the service provider.”
Despite the looming deadline, critics say the government has failed to ensure strict adherence to quality and safety norms, potentially undermining the core purpose of the HSRP initiative.
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