High-Security Registration Plates Deadline Extended Again: Bulk Discounts And Home Installation Available Now

The state transport department has extended the deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, until June 30, as per a Hindustan Times report. This decision was made following slow progress in fitting HSRP on nearly 21 million such vehicles. An internal circular from transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar stated that the extension was necessary, as only 1.8 million vehicles out of the 21 million had received the new plates.

The department is also promoting home delivery and installation of number plates at motorists' homes. This is part of an effort to encourage more people to get HSRP fitted. The transport department has urged the three approved vendors to offer discounts for bulk installations in housing societies. For example, a transport department official stated that if 25 or more vehicles in a housing society are booked for HSRP installation, the residents may be able to negotiate a lower fee or even receive free delivery.

The official fee for HSRP installation at vendor outlets is Rs 450 for two-wheelers, Rs 500 for three-wheelers, and Rs 745 for four-wheelers, excluding GST. Additional charges apply for home delivery and installation-Rs 125 per two-wheeler and Rs 250 per four-wheeler.

Opposition parties have raised concerns about the installation fees being higher than in other states, but the transport department has assured that the rates are in line with market standards. A representative from one of the three approved vendors confirmed that they are following the department's instructions regarding concessions for bulk bookings.

Although fewer than 10 per cent of vehicles registered before April 2019 have had their HSRP installed, only 1 per cent of these have received the tamper-proof plates at their homes. The government has now extended the deadline for these installations until April 30, 2025.

Additionally, nearly 1 million vehicles registered after April 1, 2019, which usually have HSRP fitted at the time of purchase, are also found to be without the correct number plates. Some vehicles have been found to have fake or improperly installed plates. The transport department has filed a police complaint against fake websites impersonating authorised vendors and offering HSRP appointments.