HSRP deadline ends, many vehicle owners still left without one

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: As the deadline to fit High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) concludes on Sunday, vehicle owners still find themselves in the middle of nowhere in getting their hands on one, despite the Transport Department insisting that the deadline won’t be extended anymore. Made out of aluminium, these plates feature a chromium hologram on the top left, and a 10 digit unique identification number below it, linked to the vehicle’s chassis. For four-wheelers, two unique numbers will be attached, one on the front and the other on the back. For two wheelers, a single 10 digit number is engraved on the rear plate. Theseplate help detect theft, and cannot be altered or distorted. In August 2023 last year, the Department issued a notification mandating installation of HSRP plates for vehicles purchased before April 1 2019.

As per reports, only 52 lakh vehicles have HSRP plates fitted, leaving 1.4 crore without them. As it stands, a fine of Rs. 500 will be imposed on vehicles without them,from Monday, September 16 by the traffic police. Reports suggest that the department is contemplating extending the deadline. A High Court hearing on this matter is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18. “We’re waiting for the court’s decision and take it up accordingly,” said A M Yogesh, Commissioner of the Transport Department. Vehicle owners have struggled to obtain an HSRP.

Technical glitches, long queues for installations and registration errors have put them in a tizzy. Latest reports suggest that even government vehicles, parked outside Vidhana Soudha are found without one. It is learnt that these plates are not fitted on departmental vehicles. However, with deadlines being extended from last year, it is imperative govrnment irons out these snags to ensure smooth procedure.