Mumbai Extends Deadline for High-Security Registration Plates Amid Surge in Applications

The Maharashtra Transport Department has extended the deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on older vehicles, following a surge in applications. More than 21 lakh vehicle owners have applied for HSRPs across the state, with nearly 7 lakh plates already affixed. The compliance deadline, initially set for March 31, was first extended to April 30 and has now been pushed to June 30, 2025.  

 

HSRP is mandatory for all vehicles registered before April 2019, as per Supreme Court guidelines. These tamper-proof plates feature a chromium-based hologram sticker affixed to the windshield, enhancing security and preventing fraudulent activities related to vehicle identification.  

 

Despite the extension, many applicants have reported delays in receiving their plates at fitment centers, leading to complaints about inefficiencies in the process. The transport commissioner’s office has issued warnings to centers with registered complaints and urged citizens to use official helplines for assistance.  

 

The government has appointed three private agencies to manage the installation process, with hundreds of fitment centers set up across Maharashtra. Vehicle owners can book appointments online, as cash payments are not permitted. Authorities have also cautioned against fraudulent websites, advising citizens to apply only through the authorized HSRP portal.  

 

With enforcement measures in place, vehicles without HSRPs after the deadline may face fines under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The initiative aims to improve vehicle security and streamline identification processes across the state.  

 

Source: Times of India, Mumbai Live, CarOnPhone News