HSRP Number Plate Mandatory In Karnataka From October, Fines To Start After 15 Days

Vehicle owners in Karnataka without High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) will soon face fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, according to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. Enforcement of the rule is set to begin in early October, giving motorists roughly 15 days to comply.

As of now, only 53 lakh vehicles out of the over 2 crore older vehicles in the state have been fitted with HSRP numbers. The department issued a notification in August 2023 making HSRP mandatory for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. Initially, a three-month deadline was set, but due to a lack of response from vehicle owners and other factors, the deadline was extended multiple times. The issue also reached the Karnataka High Court, which postponed the matter.

Instead, the department will give motorists 15 days to comply with the rule before imposing penalties. Minister Reddy said that the enforcement activities will start in early October.

The response to the notification has been mixed, with compliance rates higher in Bengaluru and lower in tier II cities and rural areas. A department official stated that motorists have been given enough time to follow the rules and that multiple extensions have been granted for the installation of new number plates.

Meanwhile, there is opposition from owners of public service vehicles such as buses, school vans, and taxis regarding the mandatory installation of Vehicle Tracking Devices (VTD) and panic buttons. They argue that the cost of installation, ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000, is a significant burden. The initial deadline for these devices was September 10.

The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association has requested an additional six months to comply with the rule, citing issues such as lack of device availability and high costs. Department officials have noted that truck owners with national permits and buses operated by Road Transport Corporation will have more time for installation.

"For the rest of the public service vehicles, fitness certificates will be issued only after verifying that they are fitted with VTD and panic button devices," an official stated.