Maharashtra Issues Notices to 27 RTO Officials Over HSRP Compliance
The Maharashtra transport department has taken action against 27 officials for inadequate compliance with High Security Registration Plate regulations.
27 RTO officials received show-cause notices for non-compliance with HSRP installation.
Over 2.7 lakh vehicles inspected, with 71,870 found without HSRPs.
Penalties totaling Rs 1.38 crore have been collected from violators.
The Maharashtra transport department has issued show-cause notices to 27 officials, including Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and deputy RTOs, for failing to ensure the installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) on older vehicles. This action is part of a broader enforcement effort following the June 30 deadline for HSRP compliance.
The notices were specifically directed at officials overseeing areas where more than half of the vehicles registered before April 2019 still lack the mandatory tamper-proof number plates. The enforcement drive, which began on July 1, has already led to inspections of over 2.7 lakh vehicles across the state, revealing that 71,870 vehicles were operating without HSRPs. As a result, the department has collected penalties amounting to Rs 1.38 crore from vehicle owners who violated the regulations.
According to the transport department, approximately 2.10 crore vehicles were registered in Maharashtra before April 2019, and only about 1.12 crore of these have been fitted with HSRPs to date. Officials have expressed concern over the significant number of vehicle owners who have yet to comply with the HSRP mandate. Joint Transport Commissioner Shailesh Kamat emphasized that enforcement measures have been ongoing since July 1 and will continue until full compliance is achieved.
The introduction of HSRPs was mandated by the Supreme Court to enhance vehicle security and traceability. These plates feature advanced security elements, including a chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram, laser-etched identification codes, and non-reusable snap locks to prevent tampering. In addition to roadside enforcement, the transport department has instructed Regional Transport Offices to withhold key services for vehicles lacking HSRPs, such as ownership transfers and re-registration.
The dual approach of strict enforcement coupled with administrative restrictions aims to expedite compliance and improve vehicle security throughout Maharashtra. The transport department is determined to ensure that all vehicles meet the HSRP requirements, thereby enhancing road safety and traceability.
