HSRP Number Plate in Karnataka NOT Mandatory? Vehicle Owners Must Know These Steps About HSRP Plates

Confusion has gripped vehicle owners across Karnataka after social media posts claimed that High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) are no longer mandatory for older vehicles. The viral messages suggested that vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, were exempt from installing HSRP, leading many to question whether compliance was still required. HSRPs feature a unique laser-etched serial number linked to the central database, making them difficult to counterfeit.

However, the Karnataka Transport Department has now stepped in to clear the air, stating that the HSRP mandate remains unchanged and continues to be in full force across the state.

No Change in Rules, Says Transport Department

In a statement issued on April 5, 2026, the department dismissed the rumours as false. Additional Commissioner of Transport (Enforcement, South), M P Omkareshwari said the the Centre mandated HSRP affixation for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019 through a notification issued on December 4, 2018, following which Karnataka made it compulsory for all such vehicles.

What the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 Says

The HSRP mandate originates from an amendment to Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, notified by the Central Government on December 4, 2018. Following this, Karnataka made it compulsory in 2023 for all older vehicles to switch to high-security plates.

These plates come with advanced security features such as holograms and unique identification numbers, aimed at preventing theft, duplication and misuse.

Pending Court Case and Current Status in Karnataka

While the rule remains legally valid, its enforcement has been somewhat moderated due to an ongoing case in the Karnataka High Court. A writ appeal filed in 2023 challenges the requirement that HSRPs must be installed only through Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their authorised dealers.

The court has not stayed the central notification but has directed the state to avoid taking any immediate coercive action until the matter is resolved. Despite this, the mandate itself has not been withdrawn or relaxed.

Why the Confusion around HSRP?

Officials pointed to misleading social media posts as the main reason behind the confusion. The department has urged vehicle owners not to rely on unverified information and to check only official government notifications for updates.

What Vehicle Owners Should Do

The Transport Department has advised all vehicle owners who have not yet installed HSRP to complete the process through authorised channels. Once enforcement resumes fully, failure to comply could lead to penalties under existing motor vehicle laws.

Despite the viral claims, the Karnataka government has made it clear that HSRP installation remains compulsory for all pre-April 2019 vehicles. The current pause in strict enforcement due to court proceedings should not be mistaken as a rollback of the rule and vehicle owners are encouraged to stay compliant.

What are High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP)?

HSRP refers to a specific type of vehicle number plate crafted from aluminum, securely attached to the vehicle using permanent locks. In the top left corner of both the front and rear plates, chromium hologram of the Ashoka Chakra, measuring 20 mm x 20 mm, is hot-stamped in the top left corner of both the front and rear plates as a security measure to deter counterfeiting.

How to Apply for HSRP Online?

To ensure you are getting an authentic plate and your data is updated in the Vahan portal, follow these steps:

Visit Official Portals: Go to siam.in (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) or bookmyhsrp.com. These are the authorized integrators.

Enter Vehicle Details: You will need your vehicle registration number, Chassis number (last 5 digits), and Engine number (last 5 digits).

Select Appointment: Choose your vehicle brand and a convenient authorized dealer/fitment center near you. You can also opt for home delivery/installation in many cities like Bengaluru.

Payment: Pay the fee online.

Two-wheelers: approx. ₹400 - ₹600

Four-wheelers: approx. ₹650 - ₹1,100

Installation: Carry your payment receipt to the dealership on the appointed date to get the plates fixed.

While Karnataka is currently taking long to implement HSRP due to legal challenges, other states are moving ahead with stricter implementation. In Bihar, the government has stepped up HSRP enforcement amid rising concerns over vehicle theft and number plate misuse. Transport Minister Shrawon Kumar has directed owners of vehicles registered before 2019 to install HSRPs within one month.

The drive is expected to cover around 52 lakh vehicles and aims to curb theft and prevent registration manipulation. Authorities have warned that failure to comply will attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, with fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.

Vehicle owners have been advised to update their HSRP details through their respective District Transport Offices to avoid inconvenience or legal action. Those who have already installed HSRPs but continue to receive SMS alerts are urged to verify and update their records in the system.