The Maharashtra State Transport Department is in the final stretch of a massive drive to equip older vehicles with High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). Officials have confirmed receiving close to 1 crore applications for the fitment of these plates on vehicles registered before April 2019 across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the rest of the state.
Race Against the Deadline
Out of the colossal number of applications, the department has successfully fitted the new plates on over 73 lakh vehicles. The remaining installations are slated to be completed in the coming weeks. The initial deadline for this mandatory upgrade was March 31, 2025, which was later extended. The final and firm deadline is now December 31, 2025.
With no indication of any further extension from the authorities, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra are preparing to begin strict enforcement drives to ensure vehicle owners comply with the rule promptly. The application numbers saw a steep rise through 2025:
- January 15: 1,000 applications
- February 3: 1 lakh
- March 12: 10 lakh
- April 16: 20 lakh
- May 19: 30 lakh
- June 17: 40 lakh
- August 12: 64 lakh
- December 31: Nearly 1 crore
What Makes HSRP Special and Mandatory?
The move to HSRP is not merely an administrative change but a significant step towards enhanced security. The Supreme Court of India mandated these plates for all vehicles registered before April 2019. Vehicles registered after this date come with HSRP pre-fitted by manufacturers.
The key security features of a High Security Registration Plate include:
- A uniform font and pattern for the registration number.
- A chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram placed on the left side.
- A unique laser-encoded PIN that can be easily scanned.
- A hot-stamped chromium-based hologram.
- Non-reusable snap-on locks that prevent tampering and theft.
These plates are installed only at authorized automobile vendors and dealers notified by the transport department.
Cost and Key Benefits for Vehicle Owners
The approximate cost for getting an HSRP fitted, excluding GST, is:
- Two-wheelers: Around Rs 450
- Three-wheelers: Around Rs 500
- Four-wheelers: Around Rs 745
The advantages of switching to HSRP are multifold. It eliminates the use of fancy, non-standard fonts on number plates, making vehicles easier to identify. The snap-lock mechanism makes it extremely difficult to steal a plate without causing visible damage, deterring theft and vehicle-related crimes.
Emphasizing the broader impact, State Transport Chief Vivek Bhimanwal stated, "HSRPs are more than just a regulatory requirement. They play a key role in enhancing vehicle security and improving road safety." The initiative is seen as a crucial tool for law enforcement and creating a more secure vehicular ecosystem in Maharashtra.
