Mumbai: In a much-needed relief for vehicle owners, the Maharashtra government has once again extended the deadline to install High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) on older vehicles, this time until August 15, 2025.

This is the third extension given by the state transport department for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, in an effort to allow more time for compliance. Initially, the deadline was set for March 31, then moved to April-end, and later to the end of June.

The move comes amid concerns over the slow pace of implementation. According to the state transport department, while Maharashtra has 2.10 crore vehicles that fall under the mandatory HSRP rule, only 23 lakh have been fitted with the new plates in the last six months.

In an official statement, the Transport Commissioner’s office clarified that strict enforcement will begin from August 16. Vehicles without HSRPs after the deadline may face penalties or legal action.

"After this date, enforcement squads will take action against vehicles without HSRPs. However, vehicles with a valid appointment booked before August 15 will not face any action," the release stated.

To make the process smoother, the department has launched an online appointment system. Vehicle owners are advised to book their installation slot through the official portal- transport.maharashtra.gov.in.

The government had initiated the HSRP rollout in December 2024, after a lengthy tender process. Three approved companies have been assigned the task of fitting plates on over 2 crore vehicles, part of the state's larger fleet of more than 4 crore registered vehicles.