In a concerted effort to bolster security measures and combat the proliferation of counterfeit vehicle registrations, the Karnataka transport department has issued a directive mandating the installation of high-security registration plates (HSRP) for all vehicles registered prior to April 2019.
The initiative aims to enhance security and curtail fraudulent activities within the state.
HSRP: A Robust Security Measure
High-security registration plates, abbreviated as HSRP, are a specialised type of number plate forged from durable aluminium. These plates are affixed to vehicles using two non-removable locks, rendering them tamper-proof.
An intrinsic feature of HSRPs is the inclusion of a chromium hologram bearing the Ashoka Chakra, measuring 20 mm x 20 mm. This hologram is hot-stamped onto both the front and rear plates, serving as a formidable deterrent against counterfeit plates and fraudulent activities.
Steps to Obtain HSRPs in Karnataka
Vehicle owners in Karnataka seeking to comply with this mandate can follow these simple steps:
1. Visit the Karnataka transport department’s official website at https://transport.karnataka.gov.in or www.siam.in.
2. Select the ‘Book HSRP’ option.
3. Provide essential vehicle details, including the manufacturer.
4. Choose a dealer location for the convenient installation of HSRPs.
5. Make the HSRP fee payment online, as cash payments are not accepted.
6. An OTP will be generated and sent to the vehicle owner’s mobile number.
7. Using the website, select a date and time for the HSRP installation.
8. Visit the vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer to have the HSRPs affixed securely.
HSRP Compulsory for Old Vehicles, Non-Compliance May Incur Fines
It is obligatory for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, to transition to HSRPs before November 17 this year.
Presently, many states have made HSRPs compulsory. The Transport Department of Karnataka, underscoring the urgency of this measure, issued an order on August 18, 2023, setting a deadline of November 17 for HSRP installation. Non-compliance may result in fines ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.
Impact on Administrative Processes
Notably, the absence of HSRPs can impede various administrative tasks such as changing ownership, updating addresses, obtaining duplicate RCs, and updating insurance coverage. The information linked to HSRPs will be accessible through vehicle owners’ software, facilitating the identification of unauthorised vehicles on the road.
Manufacturers and Sellers Association’s Opposition
The Akhila Karnataka Vehicle Number Plates Manufacturers and Sellers Association has voiced its opposition to the Transport Department’s notification and circular, which mandates HSRPs on two crore old vehicles registered before April 1, 2019.
They assert that the decision was made abruptly and has adversely affected both customers and small-scale manufacturers in the sector. The association contends that the circular contravenes the Central Motor Vehicle Act and Rules (CMVA and CMVR), as it stipulates the affixation of HSRPs exclusively through the vehicle manufacturer’s dealership network.
This move has resulted in economic hardships for around 25,000 individuals and their families engaged in the number plate business, according to Satish S., the association’s president.
In sum, the implementation of HSRPs in Karnataka is a multifaceted initiative aimed at improving security and streamlining administrative processes. While it presents challenges for some stakeholders, its broader aim is to enhance safety, curb fraud, and uphold the integrity of vehicle registrations within the state.