Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 15: Due to the low uptake of high-security registration plates (HSRP) by motorists as of February 17, the deadline has been extended by three months. This marks the second extension granted to owners of older vehicles to install the HSRP.

Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy made this announcement in the Legislative Council in Bengaluru on Wednesday February 14.

In response to demands from multiple legislators for an extension, the Minister noted that only around 18 lac high-security number plates had been installed in Karnataka thus far. He stated, "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 approximately two crore vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. Initially, a deadline of November 17, 2023, was set, which was later extended until February 17, 2024, due to slow transition.

Congress member Madhu Madegowda raised concerns regarding fake websites, stating, "Since it is being done online, there are problems in rural areas. Fake websites can trouble people."

The minister assured that the issue had not come to the state government's attention and pledged to take action against any culprits. He clarified that since the high-security number plates were being changed by original equipment manufacturers and distributors, there was no risk of duplication, and no cash transactions were involved in the process.