With Just 10 Days Left, Only 20% Pune Vehicles Have HSRP Installed — Will the Deadline Be Extended Again?
Pune, 5th August 2025: Despite multiple deadline extensions and rising pressure from the transport authorities, only 20% of vehicles in Pune have had the mandatory High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) installed — sparking fresh debate over public compliance, administrative readiness, and financial burden on vehicle owners.
The current deadline to install HSRPs is August 15, the fourth extension since March 31. Yet, out of over 26.33 lakh vehicles registered in Pune, only 5.14 lakh have completed installation, according to the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO). A total of 7.29 lakh vehicles have registered for HSRP so far, with 6.69 lakh booking appointments. The backlog and growing demand have forced the RTO to authorize 55 new centers to reduce the wait time, which currently stretches up to 30 days.
Why Is HSRP Important?
High Security Registration Plates are tamper-proof and embedded with features like:
Hot-stamped chromium holograms with the Ashoka Chakra
Laser-etched permanent identification numbers (PIN)
Tamper-proof snap locks
Reflective sheeting for better night-time visibility
These features make it extremely difficult to duplicate or tamper with the plate, helping prevent vehicle theft, reduce fraud, and assist in tracing hit-and-run or traffic rule violation cases. Each plate is electronically linked to vehicle data, allowing authorities to identify ownership instantly.
What’s Fueling the Delay?
Many vehicle owners have either ignored the regulation or are struggling with long appointment delays. Another point of contention is the price of the plates, which several users and transport unions claim is significantly higher than in other states like Gujarat.
For example, the final cost of an HSRP for a two-wheeler in Maharashtra comes to around ₹678.50. This includes the base cost of ₹405, additional footage charges of ₹45, a home delivery fee of ₹125, and 18% GST of ₹103.50. Similarly, for a three-wheeler, the total cost is about ₹737.50, while for four-wheelers and heavy vehicles, the final amount reaches ₹1,026.60. Many citizens are calling this excessive, especially considering the same service is reportedly available at nearly half the price in neighbouring states.
Protest and Public Confusion
The high cost has triggered protests in Pune, including by law students who question why citizens are being charged nearly double or triple compared to states like Gujarat. Transport unions have also raised objections, demanding greater transparency and lower costs for essential compliance.
How to Register for HSRP
To register, visit the official Maharashtra Transport Department website and access the Book My HSRP portal. Select your vehicle type and fill in details like registration number, chassis number, engine number, and owner’s contact information. Upload the necessary documents, pay the fee online, and book an appointment. On the scheduled day, visit the fitment center with your vehicle, or opt for home installation, available at an extra cost.
Ensure that your name and phone number match the details registered on the vehicle portal to avoid processing issues.
Will the Deadline Be Extended Again?
With only 10 days to go and more than 21 lakh vehicles still non-compliant, questions are being raised on whether the August 15 deadline will be extended for a fifth time. The Transport Commissioner has already issued orders to deny services like renovation or fitness testing for vehicles without HSRP. However, actual enforcement on the ground has been weak, leading to confusion among citizens.
If strict action begins, vehicle owners could face legal trouble under the Motor Vehicles Act, which allows for penalties and suspension of services.
What’s Next?
The Pune RTO is racing against time to meet the demand and is urging citizens to register immediately. With 55 centers now active, officials claim the waiting period will reduce to 8–10 days. However, whether enforcement begins or the deadline sees another extension remains uncertain.
For now, Pune’s roads are filled with lakhs of vehicles without the mandatory plates — and the clock is ticking.
