Maharashtra to Begin Statewide Crackdown on Vehicles Without HSRP Plates from February 18

Pune, 6th February 2026: Maharashtra’s prolonged push for High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) is set to enter a strict enforcement phase, with the state transport department announcing a statewide crackdown on vehicles still displaying old number plates from February 18. The move marks a decisive shift from repeated extensions and appeals for voluntary compliance to firm action on defaulters.

Officials have made it clear that no further deadline relaxations will be granted. The mandatory installation deadline lapsed more than a month ago, and the department’s latest directive signals the end of the leniency shown during the rollout of tamper-proof HSRP plates.

Over One Crore Vehicles Still Non-Compliant:
Transport department sources estimate that over one crore vehicles across Maharashtra are yet to install HSRPs. The delay has raised concerns over vehicle traceability, crime detection, and effective traffic enforcement, as standardised, secure plates are considered essential for modern policing and surveillance systems.

The rule applies to all vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. The state first announced the requirement in December 2024 and subsequently extended deadlines multiple times, with December 31, 2025, declared as the final cut-off.

Compliance levels remain particularly low in major urban areas such as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Official data shows that of 24,28,589 vehicles eligible for HSRP installation in the twin cities, only 8,57,209 vehicles have fitted the new plates, amounting to just about 35 per cent coverage.

Officials believe the continued delay in high-density cities could complicate enforcement efforts once roadside checks intensify.

While enforcement will begin from February 18, the Transport Commissioner has allowed a 15-day grace period for vehicle owners who completed the online registration process before the December 31 deadline but are still awaiting installation.

This relief is aimed at applicants affected by appointment backlogs or logistical delays at fitment centres. However, vehicles that have not even initiated the registration process are likely to face immediate penalties during inspections.

Checks to Go Beyond Number Plates

Authorities have indicated that the enforcement drive will also serve as a broader compliance check. Vehicles stopped during inspections may be asked to produce:
-Registration Certificate (RC)
-Valid motor insurance
-Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
-Driving licence

Officials warned that penalties could escalate if any of these mandatory documents are found missing or invalid.

HSRP fitment centres have reported that a significant number of vehicle owners are missing scheduled appointments and later demanding urgent installations. Operators say thousands of plates have already been manufactured but remain unclaimed, disrupting scheduling and slowing the overall pace of implementation.

With enforcement just days away, the transport department has urged motorists to complete installation immediately to avoid fines and inconvenience. Officials said the February 18 drive represents the government’s final push to close one of the state’s longest-running vehicle compliance initiatives and bring uniformity to vehicle identification standards.