The Maharashtra Transport Department has announced a crucial directive requiring more than 20 million vehicle owners in the state to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered before April 2019. The initiative, aimed at enhancing vehicle security and standardizing vehicle identification, comes with a firm deadline of March 31, 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Deadline: All vehicles registered before April 2019 must display HSRP by March 31, 2025.
- Affected Vehicles: Over 20 million vehicles in Maharashtra, including cars, trucks, buses, and two-wheelers, must comply.
- HSRP Features:
- Manufactured from aluminium alloy.
- Features a retro-reflective film and a chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram.
- Each plate has a unique serial number and a 10-digit laser-embossed tamper-proof number.
- Purpose: The mandate aims to reduce vehicle theft, improve vehicle identification, and enhance access to RTO systems.
- Installation Costs:
- ₹450 for two-wheelers and tractors.
- ₹500 for three-wheelers.
- ₹745 for four-wheelers (cars, trucks, buses, etc.).
- GST will be charged additionally.
- Implementation: The Maharashtra Transport Commissioner’s Office has appointed three agencies—Rosmerta Safety Systems Ltd, Real Mazon India Ltd, and FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt Ltd—to handle the installation across the state in three zones.
- Penalties: After the deadline, RTOs and Traffic Police will have the authority to impose fines for non-compliance under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Mumbai Focus: In Mumbai, approximately 4.8 million vehicles need to be fitted with HSRP. The city is served by four RTOs: Tardeo, Andheri, Wadala, and Borivali.
This move follows the initial rollout of HSRP for newly manufactured vehicles starting in April 2019 and seeks to bolster road safety and security across Maharashtra.