HSRP Deadline: Karnataka's Vehicle Owners Face ₹500 Fines if They Don't Install By September 15

With the deadline looming, only 52 lakh vehicles in Karnataka have installed the mandatory High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), leaving 1.4 crore vehicles still non-compliant, according to the Transport Department. Despite the shortfall, the department has confirmed that the September 15 deadline will not be extended. From September 16, vehicles without HSRP will face fines of ₹500.

"Starting September 16, we, along with the traffic police, will conduct a special drive across Karnataka. Any vehicle found without the HSRP number plate will be fined ₹500, especially in high-traffic areas," said Mallikarjuna C., Additional Transport Commissioner (Enforcement South).

The HSRP mandate was introduced in August 2023 for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, initially with a November 17, 2023 deadline. Due to slow compliance, the deadline was extended three times-to February 17, 2024, then to May 17, 2024, and now to September 15, 2024, marking the fourth extension.

Challenges for Vehicle Owners

Vehicle owners have faced numerous challenges, including long wait times at installation centers, delays in plate availability, and receiving incorrect plates despite accurate registration details. Many have struggled to book appointments online, while others remain unaware of the HSRP requirements.

Ravi Kumar, a resident of Rajajinagar, shared his frustration: "I can't book my HSRP because my vehicle registration number isn't recognized as Karnataka-registered. Despite filing complaints, the issue persists. This problem also affects my other car registered in Karnataka."

Similarly, Muralidhar Murthy from Banaswadi said, "When HSRP was first implemented, there were long wait times and delays in plate availability. I've faced ongoing issues booking plates online, with the website rejecting requests or not recognizing my vehicle registration number."

To address these concerns, the Transport Department has set up dedicated helplines, launched awareness campaigns, and posted FAQs about HSRP on its website, though uptake remains slow.

What is HSRP?

HSRP is a tamper-proof number plate with non-reusable locks that can only be removed by breaking, enhancing security against tampering. The plates feature a uniform design, with a blue 'Chakra' symbol on the left, and different background colors based on vehicle type. Each HSRP has a unique 10-digit number linked to the vehicle's chassis and engine numbers, stored in a centralized database. For cars, the numbers are on the front and rear plates, along with a windshield sticker displaying key vehicle details. Two-wheelers have a single number on the rear plate without a sticker.

The Transport Department urges vehicle owners to comply promptly to avoid penalties and ensure road safety.