Pune RTO clarifies rules for old and new vehicle number plates to prevent unfair fines. Image by puneripages.in
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
PUNE: If you own a vehicle purchased before 2019 and are worried about being fined for your number plate, you are not alone. Amid reports of traffic police penalizing drivers for non-HSRP plates, the state transport department has officially admitted to a “lack of clarity” on the rules, confirming the confusion that has affected thousands of vehicle owners across the city.
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The Core of the Confusion: RTO vs. Traffic Police
The main issue stems from inconsistent enforcement. While the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has clear rules about which vehicles require High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), on-ground enforcement by traffic police has been inconsistent, resulting in fines for drivers who are, in fact, compliant.
The Official Rule, Clarified (Know Your Rights)
- Vehicles Purchased AFTER April 1, 2019: HSRP plates are mandatory.
- Vehicles Purchased BEFORE April 1, 2019: HSRP plates are not mandatory yet. There is currently no deadline for conversion.
- What IS Illegal on OLD Plates: Any plate with fancy fonts, artistic lettering, unclear text, or deviation from the standard format is illegal and can result in a fine—even if it is pre-2019.
So, Why Are People Being Fined?
The confusion arises because some police personnel may be penalizing any non-HSRP plate, even standard old plates, or they may be correctly fining plates with illegal fonts. The absence of clear communication between the RTO and traffic police has created this grey area.
What the RTO Says
Pune RTO official Sanjiv Bhor emphasized that action should only be taken against “faulty” number plates—such as those with fancy fonts—not standard pre-2019 plates. This clarification provides vehicle owners with the official guidance needed to avoid unfair penalties.
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