In view of the low number of motorists opting to install high-security registration plates (HSRP) by February 17, the deadline has been extended by three months. This is the second extension given to owners of old vehicles to install the HSRP.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy made the announcement in the Legislative Council in Bengaluru on February 14.
Responding to a demand by several legislators for an extension, the Minister said only about 18 lakh high-security number plates had been installed in Karnataka so far. “Other States have already implemented it. We will give enough publicity to create awareness.”
In August 2023, the Karnataka government issued a notification mandating high-security registration plates for about two crore vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. It set a deadline of November 17, 2023, which was extended till February 17, 2024, as the transition was slow.
Congress member Madhu Madegowda raised the issue of fake websites. “Since it is being done online, there are problems in rural areas. Fake websites can trouble people.”
The Minister said the problem had not come to the notice of the State Government and that action would taken against the culprits. He explained that since the high-security number plates were being changed by OEMs and distributors, there was no chance of duplication, and no cash transaction was involved in the process.
