Only 54 Vehicles Found Without HSRPs on Day One of Drive Amid Heavy Rains

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday began enforcing action against vehicles that do not have High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Although inspections commenced across the state, heavy rainfall disrupted field operations, resulting in delayed reporting from several Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

Preliminary figures represent only a small portion of the statewide drive, with nearly 80 per cent of enforcement teams yet to upload their inspection data.

First-Day Enforcement: What the Numbers Show

According to initial data released by the transport department:

• 158 vehicles were inspected by motor vehicle inspectors.
• 54 vehicles were found without High Security Registration Plates.
• No fines had been recovered at the time the data was compiled.
• Only five to seven RTOs submitted their inspection reports on the first day.

Officials said the figures are expected to increase significantly once reports from the remaining RTOs are received.

Over 1 Crore Vehicles Yet to Install HSRP

Despite repeated deadline extensions, compliance remains below the state's target.

Current figures show:

• Maharashtra has nearly 2.1 crore registered vehicles.
• Around 1.08 crore vehicles (49%) have been fitted with HSRPs.
• More than one crore vehicles are still without the mandatory number plates.

Officials have urged vehicle owners who are yet to install HSRPs to complete the process at the earliest to avoid enforcement action.

Why Data Is Incomplete?

Transport department officials attributed the low reporting to continuous rainfall across several parts of Maharashtra.

The weather affected on-ground inspections and delayed the submission of daily enforcement reports from multiple districts. The department expects pending data to be uploaded once weather conditions improve, providing a more accurate picture of the statewide enforcement drive.

Why HSRP Is Mandatory?

The crackdown follows the government's decision to strictly enforce HSRP compliance after granting multiple extensions to vehicle owners.

High Security Registration Plates are designed to:

• Improve vehicle security.
• Prevent tampering and duplication of number plates.
• Help law enforcement agencies identify vehicles more efficiently.
• Enhance overall road safety and vehicle traceability.

Services That Will Be Restricted

The transport department has warned that vehicles without HSRPs will not be able to avail several important RTO services, including:

• Ownership transfer
• Change of address
• Addition or removal of hypothecation
• Re-registration
• Alteration of vehicle particulars
• Permit renewals

However, renewal of fitness certificates will continue even if the vehicle does not have an HSRP.

Who Is Exempt From Action?

Officials clarified that vehicle owners who booked an HSRP installation appointment on or before June 30 will not face enforcement until their scheduled installation date.

The statewide drive is being carried out under:

• Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
• Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act

Authorities said inspections will continue across Maharashtra in the coming days, and the number of penalty cases is expected to rise as reports from all RTOs are compiled.

HSRP Charges in Maharashtra

The government has prescribed the following charges for installing High Security Registration Plates (excluding GST but including fitment charges):

• Two-wheelers: ₹450
• Three-wheelers: ₹500
• Light, medium and heavy vehicles: ₹745