Final Chance for Vehicle Owners: Maharashtra Pushes HSRP Deadline to December 31, Warns of Strict Checks in January
Pune, 2nd December 2025: With lakhs of vehicles still running without High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), the Maharashtra Transport Department has granted one last extension for compliance—this time until December 31, 2025. Authorities have made it clear that intensive enforcement will begin from January 2026, leaving little room for further relaxation.
The decision came after a departmental review meeting revealed heavy backlogs at several authorised fitment centres. Senior officials noted that despite multiple deadline extensions over the past year, a significant number of vehicle owners have yet to schedule their HSRP installation appointments.
According to the transport department, Maharashtra has over 2.40 crore vehicles manufactured before April 1, 2019, and only around 65% have been fitted with the mandatory plates so far. Delivery delays, glitches during digital registration, and reports of certain vendors levying extra charges have slowed down the overall progress.
Officials reiterated that all vehicles registered before April 2019 must be equipped with HSRP as mandated by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Cities like Mumbai and Pune continue to show uneven compliance, with authorities urging owners to complete the process at the earliest.
Traffic police teams across the state have already been instructed to gear up for comprehensive enforcement drives beginning in January. Motorists found without HSRP after the deadline will face penalties, including a ₹1,000 fine, officials warned.
The transport department also clarified that fancy or decorative number plates will not be accepted as substitutes for HSRP. Only plates issued by authorised vendors will be recognised during verification checks.
With the year-end deadline now locked in, the department has appealed to vehicle owners to avoid last-minute crowds at fitment centres and complete their bookings well in advance.
