HSRP Number Plate In Karnataka: As Deadline Looms, Vehicle Owner Unprepared

With just six days left until the deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), only 10 lakh vehicles out of a total of 2 crore registered before April 1, 2019, in Karnataka have complied with the regulation. Many vehicle owners remain unaware of the requirement to obtain HSRP before February 17.

In August 2023, the State Government issued a notification mandating the installation of HSRP before November 17, subsequently extending the deadline by three months to February 17 to allow for compliance.

The Transport Department will impose a fine of Rs. 1,000 (increased to Rs. 2,000 for repeat offenses) on vehicle owners who fail to comply with the HSRP requirement. As the deadline approaches, there is a surge in old vehicle owners rushing to change their number plates, resulting in significant confusion and challenges.

Sources within the Transport Department suggest that the Government may have no choice but to extend the deadline once more, although there is no official confirmation regarding the deadline extension.

Officers stated that vehicle owners will be spared the penalty if they can show the online application submitted for HSRP registration.

High Demand for HSRP:

Vehicle showrooms are inundated with a high volume of owners seeking to replace their old number plates with new HSRP ones. A showroom manager revealed that their outlet receives approximately 100 calls daily regarding HSRP installation in old vehicles.

Due to overwhelming demand, they are now advising customers to visit after a 15-day period. Even authorized dealers designated for installing HSRP in old vehicles are experiencing an unprecedented rush.

"Previously, we rarely had customers seeking to change their old number plates. However, now we are installing 100-120 number plates daily. The influx is so overwhelming that we are compelled to schedule appointments for 3-4 days later due to an extensive waiting list. Additionally, we are tasked with installing new number plates for newly registered vehicles, further delaying the HSRP installation process in old vehicles," stated the showroom manager.