Mumbai’s regional transport offices intensified checks for high-security registration plates (HSRP) in August, with the Wadala RTO reporting the highest number of enforcement actions among four offices covered in the city and suburbs. The report said 904 vehicles were found without the required number plates during the month.
The enforcement drive covers vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, for which installation of an HSRP is mandatory. A fine of ₹1,000 has been imposed on vehicles without the prescribed plate since July 1. The earlier relaxation period ended on June 30 after extensions had been granted four to five times for vehicle owners to install HSRP plates.
According to figures reported by Loksatta – Mumbai, the four RTOs together inspected 3,209 vehicles in August. The Borivali RTO checked 708 vehicles and imposed fines on 290 vehicles, collecting ₹2.90 lakh. The Tardeo RTO reported 356 vehicles facing action and collected ₹3.56 lakh in fines.
The Andheri RTO inspected 1,012 vehicles and identified 201 vehicles for enforcement action. It reported collecting ₹32,000 in fines. The Wadala RTO inspected 1,133 vehicles and reported action against 904 vehicles, with ₹23,000 collected in fines, according to the report.
The transport department has indicated that inspections will continue. Vehicle owners whose vehicles do not have HSRP plates have been asked to obtain them through an authorised centre. Enforcement action will continue during inspections, the department said.
An HSRP is designed as a unique, tamper-resistant registration plate. The system includes a laser code, a chromium hologram and a permanent locking mechanism. The transport department identifies the plate as a measure intended to help detect stolen vehicles, prevent counterfeit registration plates and support quicker identification of vehicles involved in offences.
The requirement applies to vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, while newer vehicles are being fitted with HSRP plates as part of the registration process. The latest enforcement figures cover the August inspection drive, and the RTO campaign is expected to continue beyond the month.
