Deadline draws near but only 35.5 lakh of 2 crore vehicles have HSRP

Bengaluru: Although the deadline for the affixation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) is fast approaching, only 35.5 lakh vehicles have gotten their plates fixed till date.

The state government mandated the fixing of HSRPs for roughly two crore vehicles registered in Karnataka before April 1, 2019, according to a government notification issued in August last year. The initial deadline was November 17, 2023, which was extended to February 17 this year because of poor response from vehicle owners.

In February this year, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy announced another three-month extension on the deadline, bringing the new deadline to May 31. He noted that this was because only around 18 lakh HSRPs had been installed in the time given to vehicle owners, prompting authorities to allow another extension on the deadline.

However, as of May, only 35.5 lakh have gotten HSRPs affixed.

Neither confirming nor denying the possibility of an extension, C Mallikarjuna, Additional Commissioner of Transport (Enforcement) told DH that a meeting with the government will be held by the last week of May about further directions. "We will have to chalk out what action needs to be taken besides fining defaulters. The transport department will also undertake special drives to increase enforcement based on government direction," he said.

As of now, the transport department is certain that if vehicle owners do not register to fix HSRPs on their vehicles before May 31, action will be taken against them. "If they are caught for the first time, their penalty will be Rs 500 which will increase to Rs 1,000 if they are caught again without the HSRP," said Mallikarjuna.

What makes the HSRP different?

A HSRP has a chromium-based hologram and a laser-engraved 12-digit alphanumeric identification number, which can produce full details of the vehicle and its ownership when checked on the Vahan portal.

Affixed both in the front and the back of a vehicle, the HSRP is aimed at enabling clear identification of all vehicles on the roads, thus preventing number-plate tampering and illegal activities involving vehicles, and making the tracing of vehicles involved in crimes easier, eventually reducing vehicle-borne crimes.

To register, visit https://transport.karnataka.gov.in/ or www.siam.in and choose the 'Book HSRP' option. Fill in your details and complete the payment online to book a slot for the affixation.