Nearly 10 Lakh Vehicles in Maharashtra Flout High-Security Number Plate Rule

Mumbai, March 2: In a concerning trend, nearly 10 lakh newly registered vehicles in Maharashtra have been plying on the roads without the mandatory High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs), raising questions about enforcement and compliance, as per official data.

HSRP Mandate and Deadline Extension​

The state government has mandated HSRPs for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, aiming to curb vehicle theft and ensure uniformity in vehicle identification. Automakers are responsible for installing these tamper-proof plates before delivering vehicles to customers.

To facilitate compliance, the deadline for HSRP installation has been extended until April 30, 2025. Additionally, the rule applies to 2.10 crore older vehicles registered before April 2019.

Alarming Non-Compliance​

An internal review by transport authorities has revealed that out of 1.15 crore registered vehicles, only 1.05 crore have been fitted with HSRPs, leaving 9.98 lakh vehicles non-compliant.

Prompted by these findings, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner’s office has directed Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to crack down on vehicles registered post-April 2019 that still lack HSRPs.

What Makes HSRPs Crucial?​

HSRPs are designed using a rare aluminum alloy and feature:

• A retro-reflective film with 'INDIA' inscription
• A chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram
• Hot-stamped "IND" lettering in blue
• A unique 10-digit laser-engraved serial number

Additionally, a chromium-based hologram sticker on the windshield displays key vehicle details. The plates are tamper-proof, as they get damaged upon removal, ensuring better security.

Widespread Violations and Loopholes​

Despite the mandate, many government-owned vehicles are also among the 10 lakh non-compliant vehicles. Maharashtra's total vehicle count surpasses 4 crore, making large-scale enforcement a challenge.

Several newly registered vehicles without HSRPs are instead using fancy number plates, with characters arranged to spell words like ‘DADA’ or ‘BHAU’ in English or Devanagari script. Others feature small or distorted letters and digits, seemingly to evade traffic cameras.

Another major issue is improper installation. HSRPs must be fitted with non-removable snap locks, but many dealers are using screws or bolts instead. Some dealerships send HSRPs to customers separately, asking them to install the plates themselves, violating regulations.

Pricing Controversy and Political Opposition​

The HSRP implementation process has been marred by controversy, particularly regarding pricing. Opposition parties have alleged that high fees are being charged, though the state government denies these claims, stating that prices are in line with other states.

After a prolonged tendering process, Maharashtra's transport department appointed three companies for HSRP installation. However, the actual fitment for older vehicles only began in December 2024, adding to the backlog.

Lack of Enforcement and Accountability​

Activists and former transport officials have criticized authorities for failing to enforce compliance effectively.

A retired transport official pointed out the systemic failure, questioning why RTOs are penalizing vehicle owners instead of manufacturers and dealers.

"If lakhs of vehicles are on the road without HSRPs, the fault lies with manufacturers and dealers. The first action should be taken against them, not the vehicle owners, many of whom are unaware of the rule," he said.

Gaps in VAHAN Portal Implementation​

To ensure compliance, the transport department has mandated dealers to upload HSRP fitment photos and details on the VAHAN portal before issuing registration certificates. However, activists argue that this system has loopholes, as RCs have still been issued to nearly 10 lakh vehicles without HSRPs.

Vijaykumar Duggal, director of 3A Road Safety Foundation, raised a pertinent question:
"If RCs cannot be generated without uploading HSRP details, how did these vehicles get registered? Either they were never fitted with HSRPs, or they were later replaced with fancy number plates. Where is the government's control over this?"

Need for Stricter Penalties​

Currently, there is no specific penalty for vehicles lacking HSRPs, and existing fines are minimal, making enforcement ineffective.

A motor vehicle inspector suggested a progressive penalty system:

1. First-time violations – A warning
2. Second violation – Heavier fines
3. Third violation – Suspension of the dealer’s certificate

Authorities are now under pressure to ensure stricter enforcement and hold manufacturers and dealers accountable to prevent further non-compliance.

Conclusion​

With 10 lakh vehicles still operating without HSRPs, Maharashtra’s transport authorities face a major regulatory challenge. Addressing enforcement loopholes, cracking down on manufacturers and dealers, and implementing stricter penalties could be key to ensuring compliance before the April 30 deadline.