Patna: Authorities in Bihar have ordered vehicle owners to replace old registration plates with High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), warning that enforcement action will follow after a one-month deadline. Officials say around 5.2 million vehicles registered before 2019 are still without the mandatory plates.
The transport department has said that non-compliance could result in fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, including Sections 192 and 50. Repeat violations may attract stricter penalties.
Transport minister Shrawon Kumar has described compliance as mandatory and urged vehicle owners to act within the stipulated time frame to avoid enforcement action. Officials have indicated that checks will be intensified once the deadline expires.
HSRPs are designed to reduce vehicle theft and prevent tampering with number plates. The government says the plates will also improve digital tracking of vehicles and assist law enforcement agencies in monitoring and identification.
The directive applies to all vehicles registered before 2019, a category that accounts for a significant portion of Bihar’s vehicle population. Authorities say many owners remain non-compliant despite earlier advisories.
Vehicle owners have been advised to get the plates fitted through authorised dealers or agencies. The process can be completed both online and offline, and information is available through District Transport Offices.
Officials have also cautioned against panic following automated SMS alerts being sent to vehicle owners. In some cases, messages are being received even by those who have already installed HSRPs. The department has advised such owners to verify and update records through their local transport office if needed.
The transport minister has urged residents to ensure timely compliance, saying it would help avoid penalties and reduce administrative complications.
