Key RTO Services to be Halted for Non-Compliant Vehicles; Government Sets Official Fitment Rates
BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
MUMBAI, JUNE 29: The state transport department has issued a final reminder for all vehicle owners to install High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019, by the fast-approaching deadline of June 30, 2026. Starting July 1, the authorities will launch a strict enforcement campaign, penalizing non-compliant vehicle owners under the Motor Vehicles Act. In addition to monetary fines, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) will suspend critical administrative services for vehicles lacking an HSRP.
Vehicle owners who fail to install the mandated high-security plates will face a complete halt on essential RTO processes, including vehicle transfer of ownership, change of address, hypothecation endorsement or termination, vehicle re-registration, alteration of vehicle details, and permit renewals. However, the transport department clarified that this restriction will not apply to the renewal of a vehicle’s fitness certificate. Meanwhile, vehicle owners who have officially booked an appointment to get their HSRP installed by June 30 will receive temporary relief from punitive actions starting July 1.
The state government has also standardized the official rates for the fitment of these plates. The fixed charges (excluding GST but inclusive of fitment fees) are set at 450 for two-wheelers, 500 for three-wheelers, and 745 for light motor vehicles as well as medium and heavy commercial vehicles.
The upcoming enforcement drive will be conducted jointly or independently by the police and the transport department under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Joint Commissioner of the Transport Department, Shailesh Kamat, has also urged all government and semi-government offices to ensure that all official vehicles under their jurisdiction are fitted with HSRP number plates before the June 30 deadline.
To streamline the state-wide implementation, the government has divided Maharashtra into three administrative zones, appointing dedicated agencies for each area:
- Zone 1: Rosmerta Technologies Limited
- Zone 2: Real Industries Limited
- Zone 3: FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
