Maharashtra Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles: March 31 Deadline May Be Extended
The Maharashtra Transport Department has mandated High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for all pre-2019 vehicles, with a compliance deadline set for March 31, 2025. The initiative aims to enhance security and prevent vehicle-related crimes, but implementation has been slow, with a significant backlog of pending installations. Due to the large number of vehicles yet to comply, officials anticipate a possible deadline extension.
CONTENTS:
- Maharashtra Transport Department Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles: Key Details
- Mumbai RTO Urges Vehicle Owners to Install High-Security Number Plates
- Maharashtra May Extend March 31 Deadline for HSRP Installation
Maharashtra Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles: March 31 Deadline May Be Extended
Maharashtra Transport Department Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles: Key Details
Maharashtra Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles The Maharashtra Transport Department has announced that all vehicles sold before April 2019 must be fitted with High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). The department issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in December 2024, setting March 2025 as the deadline for compliance. Failure to affix an HSRP by this date will result in fines as per the Motor Vehicles Act and related regulations.
What is HSRP?
HSRP, or High Security Registration Plate, is a tamper-proof license plate featuring a unique number and security code. These plates are secured with non-reusable locks that break if removed, preventing unauthorized reuse. The Indian government mandated HSRPs for all new vehicles from April 2019 onwards to enhance security and curb vehicle-related crimes.
How to Obtain an HSRP in Maharashtra
Vehicle owners in Maharashtra must book an appointment online via the transport department’s official website. After selecting the relevant RTO, users must submit necessary vehicle details, ensure their phone number matches the one registered on the Vahan portal, and choose a suitable date for installation at an authorized vendor.
The state’s RTOs are divided into three zones, each with a dedicated booking link:
- Zone 1: https://www.mhhsrp.com/
- Zone 2: https://hsrpmhzone2.in/
- Zone 3: https://maharashtrahsrp.com/
Required Documents for HSRP Installation
To obtain an HSRP, vehicle owners must present:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Valid ID proof
- A mobile number linked to the Vahan portal
- Payment receipt at the time of installation
Cost of HSRP Installation
The charges for HSRP, as per the SOP, are as follows:
| Vehicle Type | Cost (Excluding GST) |
|---|---|
| Two-Wheelers & Tractors | ₹450 |
| Three-Wheelers | ₹500 |
| Light Motor Vehicles (Cars) | ₹745 |
| Medium/Heavy Commercial Vehicles & Trailers | ₹745 |
The cost includes installation charges but excludes GST.
For any further queries regarding HSRP installation, feel free to ask in the comments. Stay updated with the latest automotive news by following the CarDekho WhatsApp channel.
Mumbai RTO Urges Vehicle Owners to Install High-Security Number Plates
Initiative to Enhance Road Security and Prevent Crimes
The Mumbai Regional Transport Office (RTO) has called on vehicle owners to install High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) on all vehicles manufactured before April 1, 2019. This initiative aligns with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and guidelines from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which made HSRPs mandatory for vehicles produced after this date.
The primary objective of this move is to prevent vehicle-related crimes such as number plate tampering and forgery while improving vehicle identification on the roads. Citing national security concerns, the Supreme Court has also directed the installation of HSRPs on older vehicles, reinforcing the urgency of compliance, according to the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner’s Office.
Mandatory Compliance for Vehicle Owners
The Maharashtra government has now extended this regulation to older vehicles, making HSRPs compulsory for all vehicles still in use. The Mumbai Central RTO has urged vehicle owners within its jurisdiction to comply promptly.
To facilitate the process, Real Maison India Limited has been designated as the authorized agency for HSRP installation in Mumbai. Vehicle owners can book an appointment online via the official portal: https://hsrpmhzone2.in.
Notably, even vehicles registered outside Mumbai but currently operating within the city must adhere to this directive. In case of any difficulties or complaints, vehicle owners can report issues through the service provider’s portal or contact the Mumbai Central RTO directly.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Maharashtra Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles
The RTO has cautioned that failure to install an HSRP may lead to restrictions on key vehicle-related services, including:
- Transfer of ownership
- Change of address on the registration certificate (RC)
- Loading/unloading permits
- Issuance of duplicate RCs
- Insurance renewal
Additionally, authorities have stated that in the future, vehicles found without an HSRP or using a fake HSRP will be subject to legal penalties.
Vehicle owners are advised to comply at the earliest to avoid fines and ensure their vehicle remains road-legal under the updated regulations.
Maharashtra May Extend March 31 Deadline for HSRP Installation
The March 31 deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on all vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, may be extended, according to a state transport department source.
An official noted, “Over two crore vehicles across Maharashtra need to get HSRPs by March 31, but we anticipate that the government might extend the deadline.”
Slow Progress in Pune RTO Jurisdiction: Maharashtra Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles
In Pune’s Regional Transport Office (RTO) jurisdiction, 24.28 lakh vehicles require HSRPs. However, only 5,014 vehicles have been fitted with the new plates so far.
Pune Deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosle stated, “A total of 15,116 applications have been received, with 8,090 appointments scheduled. However, only 5,014 HSRPs have been installed, which is a very low number compared to the total vehicles requiring compliance.”
Similarly, in Pimpri-Chinchwad RTO, officials reported that only 1,151 vehicles have been equipped with HSRPs, despite 7,835 appointments being booked.
Help Desk to Assist Vehicle Owners: Maharashtra Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles
To streamline the process, the Pune RTO will set up a help desk starting from the second week of February. This desk will assist vehicle owners with registration and appointment booking. Officials recommend bringing vehicle-related documents to speed up the process.
“If the deadline remains unchanged, we will begin enforcing action against vehicles with old registration plates, as per the state transport department’s directive,” Bhosle added.
Growing Demand for Deadline Extension: Maharashtra Mandates HSRP for Pre-2019 Vehicles
Many vehicle owners have expressed concerns about the short timeline. Vasant Kamble, a resident of Kothrud, shared that his appointment is scheduled for late February, while his friend’s is in early March. He believes “the deadline should be extended by at least two months” due to the large volume of pending vehicles.
Similarly, Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Bagtoy Rickshawala Autorickshaw Union, pointed out that Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have over 1.5 lakh autorickshaws, with 90% of owners unfamiliar with online processes. He suggested introducing a manual application system to ease the process and extending the deadline further.
The final decision on the deadline extension is awaited from the Maharashtra Transport Department.
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