Maharashtra: 10L new vehicles on road without high-security number plates
What's the story
Around 10 lakh new vehicles have been plying on Maharashtra's roads without the mandatory high-security registration plates (HSRPs) in the last five years. The state government had introduced HSRPs to prevent theft and ensure uniformity in vehicle identification. However, due to enforcement issues and dealer non-compliance, many vehicles are still without these security-enhanced number plates.
Rule details
HSRP rule and its enforcement
The HSRP rule, which came into effect on April 1, 2019, mandates all vehicles registered before the date to be fitted with these plates. Manufacturers were tasked with installing HSRPs before handing over the vehicles to customers. The deadline for compliance was pushed till April 30. However, despite all this, nearly 10 lakh new vehicles remain without HSRPs.
Older vehicles
Maharashtra government mandates HSRPs for older vehicles
The Maharashtra government has also made HSRPs compulsory for older vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. However, a recent internal review found that out of the total 1.15 crore registered vehicles, only around 1.05 crore have been fitted with HSRPs while nearly 9.98 lakh are plying without them. This has prompted a special drive by the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner's office against such vehicles.
Plate features
HSRPs: A unique security feature for vehicles
HSRPs, or 'IND' or 'INDIA' number plates, are manufactured from a special aluminum alloy and have multiple security features. These include a retro-reflective film inscribed with 'India,' chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram, hot-stamped letters "IND" in blue, and a unique 10-digit laser-engraved serial number. When installed with a snap lock mechanism, these plates become tamper-proof and get damaged if removed forcibly.
Sticker requirement
HSRP rule mandates hologram sticker for all vehicles
The HSRP rule mandates every vehicle, barring two-wheelers and tractors, to have a chromium-based hologram sticker pasted on the inner side of the windshield showing registration details. However, despite the rule, many new vehicles including those owned by the government are plying without these plates. The number of vehicles in Maharashtra is over four crore.
Fitment issues
Controversy and non-compliance surrounding HSRP fitment
The process of fitting HSRPs to older vehicles, which started in December 2024, has been mired in controversy over pricing. Opposition parties have accused the government of charging high fees for these plates, a claim denied by the Maharashtra government. Many newly registered vehicles without HSRPs are instead sporting fancy number plates with digits arranged to spell words such as 'DADA,' 'BHAU' etc. in English or Devanagari script.