₹10,000 Fine Now for Vehicles Without High-Security Number Plates; New PUC Rule Effective Today

RTO data reveals that compliance with regulations is low in Lucknow, particularly in the case of older private vehicles. To date, High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) have been installed on only 6.72 lakh (approximately 32.80%) vehicles.

HSRP & PUC: New Rule – If you own a bike or a car and reside in Uttar Pradesh, this news is for you. Driving without a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) will now result in a fine of ₹10,000. This rule has come into effect today and will be strictly enforced. Furthermore, vehicles lacking an HSRP will not be issued a ‘Pollution Under Control’ (PUC) certificate.

Significantly, this rule applies to vehicles purchased before April 1, 2019. Government officials have clarified that the refusal to issue a PUC certificate implies that such vehicles will no longer be legally permitted to operate on the roads. Previously, the penalty for failing to install an HSRP was ₹5,000; however, with the additional restriction on PUC certificates, the financial burden on violators has now increased significantly.

Situation Grave in the Capital, Lucknow

According to a report by HT, data obtained from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Lucknow indicates that compliance with regulations remains low in the state capital—particularly among older private vehicles. Out of the 20.50 lakh private vehicles registered by March 31, 2019, HSRPs have been installed on only 6.72 lakh (approximately 32.80%) vehicles so far.

What Officials Said

Regarding commercial vehicles registered prior to the same date, HSRPs have been installed on 35,820 out of 90,375 vehicles (or 39.63%). This figure indicates a slightly better rate of compliance compared to that of private vehicles. Officials state that it is mandatory to affix authorized HSRPs on all vehicles registered up to March 31, 2019, whereas vehicles registered after April 1, 2019, must have the plates pre-installed.