In a decisive step to combat pollution and enhance vehicle regulation, the Supreme Court has ordered strict adherence to the High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) Order, 2018 and fuel-based color-coded stickers for all vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR). Justices Abhay Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that non-compliant vehicles will face restrictions on essential services, including Pollution Under Control (PUC) certifications and ownership transfers.
The Court has prohibited NCR states—Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan—from offering critical services to vehicles without HSRP and stickers. These services include transfer of ownership, issuance of duplicate registration certificates, modifications to loan agreements (hypothecation), address changes in registration records, and fitness certification renewals.
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“No PUC certificate shall be issued to non-compliant vehicles. States must conduct special drives to penalize such vehicles under Section 192(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.”
Revised Timelines and Penalties
The Court modified its 2018 order to set clear deadlines:
- For vehicles sold on or after April 1, 2019: Full compliance with HSRP rules is mandatory. Owners of non-compliant vehicles face fines up to ₹5,000 or imprisonment under Section 192(1).
- For vehicles registered before April 2019: States must implement phased compliance through awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement.
The ruling reinforces existing laws, including Rule 50(1)(iv) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, which requires a chromium-based hologram sticker on windshields. The HSRP Order, 2018 mandates light blue stickers for petrol/CNG vehicles and orange for diesel vehicles to simplify pollution checks. Additionally, Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 bars driving unregistered vehicles in public spaces.
All NCR states must submit affidavits by March 17, 2025, detailing strategies to ensure compliance for both pre- and post-April 2019 vehicles. The Central Government will compile these reports for Supreme Court review on March 21, 2025.
The Court urged NCR states to prioritize electric vehicles (EVs) in government departments, municipal bodies, and public-sector units. States must finalize EV procurement policies by March 2025 and present them to the Court.
HSRPs reduce vehicle theft and document tampering, while color-coded stickers help authorities enforce pollution control measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) during emergencies. The order aims to improve air quality and streamline vehicle management in one of India’s most polluted regions.
“Compliance with HSRP rules is non-negotiable. States must act urgently to safeguard public health and ensure transparency in vehicle ownership.”
Case Background
The directives were issued in MC Mehta v. Union of India (WP (C) 13029/1985), a landmark case addressing Delhi’s air pollution crisis. The hearing also covered stubble burning, waste management, and thermal plant emissions.
For HSRP installation guidelines, refer to your state transport department’s official website.
