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Final NotificationCMVR Amendments

Hydrogen vehicle HSRP and associated CMVR amendments

The Central Motor Vehicles (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2025 add a registration-mark colour scheme for hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and introduce phased connector and mechanical coupling requirements for trailers and haulage tractors.

Notification numberG.S.R. 819(E)
Date3 November 2025
Vehicle categoryHydrogen-fuelled vehicles; trailers and haulage tractors
Effective dateOn Gazette publication, with specific trailer provisions from 1 October 2026 and 1 April 2027

Applicability

The hydrogen registration-mark provisions cover hydrogen fuel-operated vehicles. Separate clauses apply to trailers and haulage tractors for electrical connectors and fifth-wheel coupling standards.

Key requirements

  • Use the prescribed HSRP colour scheme for hydrogen fuel-operated vehicles.
  • Apply the specified registration-letter colours for transport and other vehicle uses.
  • Fit applicable trailers with compliant 13-pin, 13-pole or higher-pin connectors from 1 October 2026.
  • Meet the referenced fifth-wheel coupling standards for haulage tractors and trailers from 1 April 2027.

OEM impact

  • Update registration-plate specifications and release documentation for hydrogen vehicle programs.
  • Review trailer electrical architecture and coupling designs against the referenced standards.
  • Align sales, registration and dealer instructions with the new identification scheme.

Supplier impact

  • HSRP suppliers need controlled colour, marking and dimensional specifications.
  • Connector and fifth-wheel suppliers must provide compliance evidence to the referenced IS and ISO requirements.
  • Traceability records should link supplied parts to affected vehicle and trailer variants.

Testing / homologation impact

  • Registration-plate conformity and installation checks become part of release readiness.
  • Trailer connector and coupling compliance may require document review, component evidence or testing as agreed with the test agency.
  • Type-approval extensions should identify any affected variant or component changes.

Action points

  • Update hydrogen vehicle registration and homologation checklists.
  • Map trailer and haulage-tractor variants to the 2026 and 2027 dates.
  • Obtain supplier declarations and test evidence before design release.
  • Brief dealers and registration teams on the HSRP scheme.

Open questions

  • How will legacy hydrogen demonstration fleets be treated by individual registering authorities?
  • Which component changes qualify for approval extension versus fresh evaluation?
  • Are additional state registration-system updates required before plate issuance?

Official references

MoRTH Gazette notification - G.S.R. 819(E)

Disclaimer

This update is an educational engineering summary, not legal advice. Always verify the current Gazette text, amendments, corrigenda, implementation circulars and test-agency interpretations before making a compliance decision.

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