The deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on old vehicles expired on December 31, 2025. However, more than a month later, the Transport Commissioner has neither issued directions to Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to initiate enforcement nor clarified whether any further extension will be granted. This lack of clarity has left vehicle owners confused and frustrated, prompting many to question why an extensive awareness campaign was conducted if the rules were not meant to be enforced.
HSRP installation was made mandatory for all vehicles registered in the state before April 1, 2019. The drive, which began on January 1, 2025, received a lukewarm response, forcing the administration to extend the deadline repeatedly—from March 31 to June 30, August 15, November 30, and finally December 31. Despite multiple extensions, less than 60% of vehicles within the jurisdiction of Nagpur’s three RTOs have been fitted with HSRP.
Many residents hurried to install the plates fearing strict penalties. However, even after 38 days have passed since the final deadline, no action has been taken against non-compliant vehicles, raising doubts about the Transport Department’s seriousness. While Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar reportedly told a media representative that enforcement would begin from February 18, local RTO officials claim they have received no formal instructions in this regard.
Complaints over plate quality
The administration maintains that HSRPs are made of durable aluminium and are difficult to tamper with once installed. Contrary to this claim, several two-wheeler owners have reported that the plates supplied are oversized, causing them to bend or break. These complaints have raised concerns over the quality of the plates. Additionally, there are allegations that instead of the mandatory secure rivets, some plates are being fixed using ordinary nuts and bolts, violating prescribed norms.
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