Last Day for HSRP in Maharashtra: RTO to Start Charging ₹1,000 Fine from January 1; How to Avoid Penalties

PUNE: The clock is ticking for over two crore vehicle owners in Maharashtra as the final deadline for the mandatory installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) ends tonight, December 31.

Starting tomorrow, January 1, 2026, the State Transport Department and Regional Transport Offices (RTO) across Maharashtra, including Pune and Mumbai, will launch a massive enforcement drive. Motorists found without these laser-coded plates face immediate fines starting at ₹1,000, along with the risk of being blocked from essential RTO services.

Massive RTO Crackdown from January 1

Following the expiration of the deadline, Maharashtra RTO officials have confirmed that intensified on-road checks will commence. In cities like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, authorities plan to utilize AI-integrated CCTV cameras to identify non-compliant vehicles.

Under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rule 50 of the CMVR, the HSRP plate fine in Maharashtra can range from ₹1,000 for a first-time offense to higher penalties for repeat offenders. Beyond the financial hit, vehicles without HSRP will be “blacklisted” in the Vahan portal, preventing owners from transferring ownership, renewing fitness certificates, or changing addresses.

Who Needs to Install HSRP Now?

The current HSRP Maharashtra deadline applies specifically to vehicles registered before April 1, 2019.

• Old Vehicles: If your vehicle was registered before this date and still carries the old-style painted or embossed plates, you are legally required to switch.
• New Vehicles: Vehicles registered after April 1, 2019, generally come pre-fitted with HSRPs from the dealership and do not need a change.

How to Apply for HSRP Online in Maharashtra

With only hours remaining, the official portal is witnessing a massive surge in traffic. To avoid the HSRP plate fine, follow these steps immediately:

1. Visit the official gateway: transport.maharashtra.gov.in or bookmyhsrp.com.
2. Select ‘High Security Registration Plate with Colour Sticker’.
3. Enter vehicle details including Engine and Chassis numbers.
4. Choose a convenient fitment location (Dealer or RTO) or opt for Home Delivery HSRP Maharashtra for a small additional fee.
5. Pay the fee (approx. ₹500–₹650 for two-wheelers and ₹800–₹1,200 for cars) and download the receipt.

The ‘Receipt’ Loophole: How to Save Yourself from Fines

If you are unable to get the plates fitted today, there is one way to avoid a penalty tomorrow. RTO officials have indicated that if a motorist can produce a valid HSRP booking receipt with a future appointment date, they may be granted a temporary grace period.

“We urge citizens not to wait until the final hour. While the rush is high, having a booking receipt will prove that the owner has initiated the process, which can save them from immediate fines during the transition,” stated a senior RTO official from Pune.

Why HSRP is Mandatory

The High-Security Registration Plate is not just a legal formality but a security measure. These plates feature:

• Chromium-based Hologram: Difficult to counterfeit.
• Laser-branded Permanent Identification Number: Linked to the national database.
• Non-removable Snap Locks: Prevents plates from being stolen or transferred to another vehicle.

As the HSRP Maharashtra deadline expires tonight, PuneNow advises all readers to complete their bookings immediately to ensure uninterrupted access to RTO services and avoid unnecessary financial penalties.

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