Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Fancy Plates Persist in Pune Despite High-Security Mandate
Vehicles in Pune are supposed to use special High Security Registration Plates.
This rule started on July 1 this year.
However, many vehicles still have fancy, hidden or unusual plates.
Some plates show only a name or a few numbers.
One Fortuner owner was booked for using a plate that could hide automatically.
The device was reportedly used to avoid speed cameras.
Commuters are unhappy because they see these vehicles regularly.
RTO officials say they are taking action.
High Security Registration Plates have been mandatory since July 1 this year.
Non-standard, stylised and deliberately obscured plates remain common in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
A Fortuner owner from Tathawade was booked for using an auto-hiding plate to evade speed cameras.
Commuters say vehicles with fancy plates and dark-tinted windows continue to travel freely.
Regional Transport Office officials say enforcement action is underway, raising questions about implementation.
- Who
- Vehicle owners in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, including a Fortuner owner from Tathawade, are involved; RTO officials are enforcing the rule.
- What
- Non-standard, stylised and deliberately obscured number plates continue to be used despite the HSRP mandate.
- When
- The HSRP mandate has been in force since July 1 this year.
- Where
- Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, including Tathawade.
- Why
- Some vehicle owners are using fancy or hidden plates, including an auto-hiding plate reportedly used to evade speed cameras.
Critics of enforcement
Enforcement authorities
Effectiveness of the mandate
Critics of enforcement
Commuters argue that vehicles with fancy, obscured plates and dark-tinted windows continue to move freely, suggesting weak enforcement.
Enforcement authorities
RTO officials say action is underway against violations.
Treatment of violations
Critics of enforcement
Resident Rohan Jadhav says motorists are fined for minor issues while vehicles with non-standard plates are commonly seen on the roads.
Enforcement authorities
The booking of a Fortuner owner over an auto-hiding plate indicates that enforcement action is being taken in at least some cases.
- Requirement
- High Security Registration Plates are mandatory.
- Start date
- The mandate took effect on July 1 this year.
- Affected areas
- Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
- Reported violation
- A Fortuner owner from Tathawade was booked over an auto-hiding number plate.
- Purpose of hidden plate
- The auto-hiding plate was reportedly used to dodge traffic speed cameras.
- Official response
- RTO officials say enforcement action is underway.