3 minutes of readingPuneUpdated: Feb 10, 2026 07:47 pm IST
The state transportation department has announced that the mandatory installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) will be implemented across Maharashtra from February 18, said state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar. The decision comes more than a month after the final deadline of December 31, 2025.
Talking to him indian expressBhimanwar explained the delay in execution. “We held back until now to allow vehicle owners who had applied for HSRP before December 31 to install them. Now, from February 18, enforcement will begin against vehicles that have not installed HSRP number plates.”
He clarified that those who book appointments after the December 31 deadline will not be penalized. “We would not fine those who had booked HSRP appointments after December 31,” Bhimanwar said.
“The fine for non-compliance with HSRP registration plates is currently Rs 1,000, although some states impose penalties of up to Rs 10,000,” said Vinayak Sakhare, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO). Pune.
“So far we have not implemented the higher penalty structure in the state. Citizens have been given enough time to apply for HSRPs and now enforcement will begin,” he added.
Sakhare urged vehicle owners to update their vehicle registration plates to avoid unnecessary expenses. “We urge citizens to respect the new rules and update old license plates with HSRP so that they do not waste their money and time on fines during the enforcement campaign,” he said.
He added that the controls will be exhaustive. Vehicles stopped for inspection will also be checked to ensure they have valid insurance, Low Pollution Control (PUC) certificates, driving licences, registration certificates and not just HSRP.
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Low compliance despite multiple extensions
The HSRP mandate applies to vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. The notification was first issued in December 2024, but vehicle owners were slow to respond and many of them missed the appointment date, causing assembly delays.
In Pune, the compliance rate is quite low. Of the 24.28 lakh vehicles that are required to be equipped with HSRP, only 8.57 lakh have complied so far, which is about 35 per cent.
The transportation department has already extended the deadline six times since the initial notification, from March 30 to April 30, then June 30, August 15, November 30, and finally December 31, 2025. However, most vehicle owners have not updated their license plates.
Now that enforcement is about to begin, authorities hope that fines and vehicle checks will prompt owners of non-compliant vehicles to act quickly.