Compliance low, Karnataka extends deadline for high-security number plates for 7th time

The government has extended the deadline for affixing HSRP, for the seventh time, till March 31. The earlier deadlines were February 17, 2024; May 31, 2024; September 15, 2024; November 30, 2024; December 31, 2024; and January 31, 2025.

An estimated 2.45 crore vehicles were registered in the state before April 2019, with approximately 2 crore currently active. According to data shared by Reddy, 24 lakh vehicles have affixed HSRP in Bengaluru city, 4 lakh in Mysuru, 2.7 lakh in Dakshina Kannada, 2.6 lakh in Belagavi, 1.4 lakh in Dharwad, and 2 lakh in Shivamogga. Yadgir district has the least number of registrations, with only 19,000 vehicles affixing HSRP.

The minister said that failure to comply with the HSRP mandate would result in a fine of Rs 500 for the first offence and Rs 1,000 for subsequent offences, as per the Motor Vehicles Act.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear later this month petitions challenging the mandate requiring vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, to be retrofitted with the HSRP. The primary contention raised by the petitioners, notably the High Security Registration Plate Manufacturers Association of India, is that the government’s directive permits only original equipment manufacturers and their authorised dealers to supply and install HSRPs. This exclusivity allegedly sidelines other number plate manufacturers, potentially limiting competition and creating a monopolistic environment.

The high court has declined to stay the enforcement of the government’s HSRP mandate. However, it has directed the state to establish and publish a clear process for vehicle manufacturers to approve all number plate manufacturers possessing the necessary type approval certificate (TAC).