Nagpur, India: The Maharashtra government has once again extended the deadline for vehicle owners to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) on vehicles registered before April 2019. The new deadline is now set for June 30, 2025, after poor response and growing concerns over limited installation infrastructure in Nagpur and surrounding areas.

Despite multiple extensions and increased awareness campaigns, a significant number of vehicle owners in Nagpur district have yet to comply. In Nagpur city, only about 26% of the over 19,600 eligible vehicle owners have placed orders for HSRPs, and in rural areas, compliance is even lower, at 16.7%.

District-wide, out of approximately 1.8 million vehicles, fewer than 10% have been fitted with HSRPs. Officials admit that with only 99 authorised fitment centres, the system can handle just under 5,000 vehicles per day, making it nearly impossible to meet the target before the deadline unless capacity is increased.

Vehicle owners have cited several issues, including limited appointment slots, system errors during online booking, and overcharging at some centres. In response, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have asked vendors to increase installation capacity and have warned against using unauthorised vendors or fake plates.

From June 16 onwards, the transport department began denying key services—such as ownership transfers, address changes, duplicate RCs, and NOCs—to vehicle owners who have not installed HSRPs or at least booked appointments. Offenders may also face fines under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Authorities have advised citizens to act promptly to avoid penalties, as further extensions may not be granted. Only HSRPs issued by authorised vendors and linked to the VAHAN database will be considered valid.