Mumbai: The Maharashtra transport department has issued show-cause notices to 27 Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), deputy RTOs and other officials across the state for failing to achieve satisfactory compliance in the installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on older vehicles.Officials said notices were served on officers in jurisdictions where more than 50% of pre-April 2019 vehicles are yet to be fitted with the mandatory tamper-proof number plates. The action comes as the department intensifies enforcement following the June 30 deadline for HSRP installation.According to transport department data, more than 2.7 lakh vehicles have been inspected across Maharashtra since the enforcement drive began on July 1. During the checks, authorities detected 71,870 vehicles operating without HSRPs and recovered Rs 1.38 crore in penalties. Vehicle owners found violating the rules are fined Rs 1,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act. Officials are also taking action against vehicles displaying illegal fancy number plates or tampered registration plates.The department said that of the state’s estimated 2.10 crore vehicles registered before April 2019, about 1.12 crore have been fitted with HSRPs so far. However, officials acknowledged that a substantial number of vehicle owners are yet to comply with the mandate.“We have begun enforcement since July 1 and inspections are continuing across Maharashtra. Non-compliant vehicles are being penalised and the drive will continue until full compliance is achieved,” said Joint Transport Commissioner Shailesh Kamat.HSRPs were made mandatory following Supreme Court directives aimed at improving vehicle security and traceability. The plates incorporate several security features, including a chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram, laser-etched identification codes and non-reusable snap locks that make tampering difficult.Apart from roadside enforcement, the transport department has directed Regional Transport Offices to deny key services to vehicles without HSRPs. These include ownership transfers, address changes, re-registration, hypothecation and modification approvals.Officials said the dual strategy of enforcement and administrative restrictions is intended to accelerate compliance and enhance vehicle security across the state.
