Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 29: With the March 31 deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) fast approaching, only 29% of the nearly 2 crore vehicles in Karnataka have been fitted with these plates. Given the slow progress, the deadline is likely to be extended once again.

In August 2023, the state government issued a notification mandating the installation of HSRP on vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. The new plates were introduced to enhance vehicle security, prevent theft and misuse, and improve law enforcement.

Due to poor response, the deadline has been extended multiple times since 2023, with the current cut-off set for March 31. According to the state transport department, Karnataka has approximately 2 crore vehicles requiring HSRP installation, but so far, only around 58 lakh vehicles have complied.

A transport department official told the media that despite repeated extensions, public response to the installation has remained low. "At the beginning of last year, we announced that no further extensions would be given, and non-compliance would result in penalties. This prompted many vehicle owners to book and install HSRP," the official stated.

However, legal proceedings challenging HSRP implementation in the state delayed enforcement measures. "As the matter was sub judice, we had to maintain the status quo and refrain from strict action. Given the current situation, extending the deadline appears to be the only viable option," the official added.