Weeks before the June 30, 2026, deadline for mandatory High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs), Pune’s roads continue to feature a prevalence of customised and non-standard number plates. This ongoing violation has led to questioning by residents regarding the perceived lack of enforcement.
Persistent Violations Undermine Road Safety
Vehicles across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are frequently observed with illegal number plates, ranging from those displaying names instead of registration numbers to plates with stylised fonts, LED borders, and barely visible state codes. This practice continues despite rules mandating standardised, machine-readable registration plates. Residents allege that authorities have largely overlooked this issue, even as traffic cameras issue e-challans for other violations. They argue that unreadable number plates not only defy legal stipulations but also compromise road safety and impede the police’s ability to identify vehicles involved in accidents or criminal activities.
Extended Deadline and Upcoming Enforcement
In May 2026, the Maharashtra Government extended the deadline for installing HSRPs on vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, to June 30, 2026. Transport authorities are scheduled to initiate special road inspection drives from July 1, 2026, to ensure compliance. Vehicles found without HSRP plates or proof of an appointment booking may face action under the Motor Vehicles Act, with potential compounding fees of up to Rs 1,000.
Frustration Among Compliant Vehicle Owners
For residents who have adhered to the HSRP mandate and regularly face e-challans for minor traffic infractions, the apparent leniency towards vehicles with illegal number plates has become a significant source of frustration. Many express bewilderment as they are penalised for minor infractions while others continue to flout regulations concerning number plates without apparent consequence. The sentiment among compliant citizens is that rules should be applied uniformly to all vehicle owners.
HSRP Mandate and its Objectives
The HSRP initiative aims to enhance vehicle security by making registration plates tamper-proof and machine-readable. These plates feature a chromium-based hologram and a unique laser-branded permanent identification number. The primary objectives include curbing vehicle theft, preventing the use of counterfeit number plates, and aiding in the identification of vehicles involved in criminal activities. The mandate is in accordance with guidelines issued by the Union government for older vehicles across the state.
Low Compliance Rates and Past Extensions
Despite multiple extensions since the initial notification in December 2024, compliance rates have remained a concern. Reports from late 2025 indicated that only around 33% to 35% of vehicles registered before April 2019 in the Pune RTO’s jurisdiction had installed HSRPs. The deadline for compliance had been extended multiple times, including to December 31, 2025, and later to June 30, 2026. The transport department has consistently urged vehicle owners to utilize the extended periods to schedule appointments and complete the installation process through official channels to avoid penalties.
Warnings Against Counterfeit Plates
The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has also issued warnings against unauthorised sellers offering fake HSRPs. These counterfeit plates, often sold at lower prices, do not meet government security standards and can lead to legal complications for vehicle owners. The RTO advises vehicle owners to obtain HSRPs exclusively from government-approved centres after completing the necessary registration procedures to ensure compliance and security.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
