The Maharashtra State Transport Department has once again pushed back the deadline for mandatory installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), setting a new cut-off date of December 31, 2025. The earlier deadline, extended in August, had asked vehicle owners to complete installation by November 30, 2025.
According to a circular issued by the State Transport Commissioner, the government has mandated HSRP for all vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. Citing ongoing local body elections, the department announced the latest extension and urged citizens to book appointments through the official website transport.maharashtra.gov.in and complete installation before the new deadline.
While the department attributes the extension to election-related constraints, officials acknowledge that the primary reason is the poor public response. Despite earlier relaxations and special arrangements—including deploying staff in housing societies and offices to facilitate bulk installation—uptake has remained low. Around 35% of vehicles across Maharashtra currently have HSRP, while an additional 10% of owners have booked slots. This indicates that nearly 60% of vehicles have yet to comply.
Senior citizens account for a significant section of the reluctant group. Many elderly vehicle owners, especially those living alone or owning older vehicles, fear that installing HSRP may expose the age of their vehicles or force them to eventually discontinue their use. Financial constraints and difficulty navigating the installation process also deter them. At present, the Transport Department has no specific solution to address these concerns.
The Centre has made HSRP mandatory for all vehicle categories registered before 2019, and Maharashtra launched its implementation drive on January 1, 2025. Yet, due to persistently weak participation, the deadline has now been extended five times. Even after repeated appeals, awareness campaigns and increased fitment centres, the installation rate remains far from satisfactory.
State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar recently held a meeting with all regional and sub-regional transport officers, instructing them to improve accessibility, streamline the installation process and increase public awareness regarding the long-term benefits of tamper-proof HSRP, which carries a unique identification number aimed at enhancing vehicle security.
A senior department official, speaking to The Hitavada on condition of anonymity, admitted that authorities had not anticipated such a poor response. The official said renewed efforts will focus on strengthening awareness campaigns and helping vehicle owners understand the importance and future benefits of HSRP.
Meanwhile, several vehicle owners continue to struggle with the online application system, facing issues such as slow website performance and difficulty understanding the process. Some owners of post-2019 vehicles reported not receiving HSRPs from showrooms, and officials clarified that it is the dealer’s responsibility to install the plates on such vehicles.
With the fifth deadline extension now in place, the department hopes that citizens will utilise the additional time and avoid further delays.
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