The deadline for installing high-security registration plates (HSRP) in Karnataka has been extended by three months, announced Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy in Bengaluru on February 14. This extension comes as a response to the low number of motorists opting to install HSRP by the initial deadline of February 17. It marks the second extension granted to owners of old vehicles to comply with the HSRP mandate.
According to Minister Reddy, only about 18 lakh high-security number plates have been installed in Karnataka so far, despite the government’s efforts to promote awareness. He noted that while other states have already implemented the HSRP system, Karnataka aims to intensify publicity campaigns to encourage more participation.
The Karnataka government initially issued a notification in August 2023, mandating HSRP for approximately two crore vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. The original deadline of November 17, 2023, was extended to February 17, 2024, due to slow adoption rates.
During discussions in the Legislative Council, Congress member Madhu Madegowda raised concerns about fake websites causing inconvenience to rural residents during the online registration process. Minister Reddy assured that the government would take action against such fraudulent activities and emphasized that since HSRP installation is handled by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors, the risk of duplication is minimal, and there are no cash transactions involved in the process.
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