No HSRP Number Plate? Pay ₹1,000 Fine as Transport Department Begins Strict Checks From This Date

After a month has passed since the deadline for installing the mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) meant to ensure vehicle safety, the state transport department has now moved into action mode. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar has indicated that strict action will begin from February 18 against vehicles that do not have the new number plates. A 15-day grace period has been granted to vehicle owners who registered for the new number plates before December 31, 2025, but have not yet had them installed. “Those who completed the registration on time deserve a fair opportunity, which is why we decided to wait until February 18,” Bhimanwar explained. However, vehicle owners who registered after December 31 or have not registered at all will face a fine of ₹1,000.

The situation in Pune is worrying, with 65% of vehicles still without HSRP. The campaign has received a very poor response in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Of the 24,28,589 eligible vehicles in the city, only 8,57,209 owners have registered for HSRP so far—just 35% compliance. Across the state, over one crore vehicles are still running on old number plates, reflecting a serious lack of awareness among vehicle owners even after the December 31, 2025 deadline. Not just number plates, documents will also be checked. The transport department has clarified that inspections starting February 18 will not be limited to number plates alone. If a vehicle is stopped due to the absence of HSRP, officials will also verify the registration certificate, vehicle insurance, PUC certificate, and driving licence. If any of these documents are missing, the penalty could be significantly higher.

Also Read: Mumbai: Massive Fire Breaks Out at Aghadi Nagar Pump House in Andheri East (Watch Videos)

Meanwhile, fitting centres are under growing pressure. Showrooms and centres responsible for installing number plates have expressed frustration over vehicle owners’ behaviour. Many customers fail to turn up for scheduled appointments and arrive randomly instead. As a result, large piles of ready number plates are accumulating at fitting centres, adding to their operational difficulties.