After February 18, Maharashtra transport dept to penalise vehicles without HSRPs

“The fine for non-compliance of HSRP number plates is currently Rs 1000, though some states levy penalties up to Rs 10,000,” said Vinayak Sakhare, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Pune.

“We haven’t implemented the higher penalty structure in the state so far. Citizens have been given ample time to apply for HSRPs, and now the enforcement will begin,” he added.

Sakhare urged vehicle owners to update their vehicle number plates to avoid unnecessary expenses. “We would urge citizens to abide by the new rules and update the old number plates with HSRPs so that they don’t waste their money and time on fines during the enforcement drive,” he said.

He added that the checks would be comprehensive. Vehicles stopped for inspection will also be checked for valid insurance, pollution under control (PUC) certificates, driving licenses, registration certificates, and not just for HSRPs.

Low compliance despite multiple extensions

The HSRP mandate applies to vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. The notification was first issued in Dec 2024, but vehicle owners have been slow to respond, with many of them missing the appointment date, resulting in delays in fitment.

In Pune, the compliance rate is quite low. Of the 24.28 lakh vehicles that need to be fitted with HSRPs, only 8.57 lakh have complied so far, which is roughly about 35 per cent.

The transport department has already extended the deadline six times since the initial notification, from March 30 to April 30, then June 30, August 15, November 30, and finally Dec 31, 2025. Yet, a majority of vehicle owners have not upgraded their plates.

With enforcement now set to begin, authorities hope that the fines and vehicle checks will push the non-compliant vehicle owners to act quickly.