Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 2: The deadline for installation of high-security registration plates (HSRP) for vehicles registered before April 2019 will end on November 17.

The state government is likely to extend the deadline for the introduction of HSRP due to public apathy towards number plate implementation.

Out of the 2 crore old vehicles registered in the state, only 1.75 lac (less than 10 per cent) vehicles have been fitted with new number plates. Senior transport department officials said more publicity is likely to encourage people to adopt the number plates.

A senior transport official said, "The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated fitting of HSRP number plates for old vehicles due to reasons including security and to prevent misuse of vehicles. HSRP number plates once installed cannot be removed later. Due to this, number plates cannot be exchanged. About 2 crore vehicles were registered in the state before April 1, 2019. After this, HSRP plates have been installed compulsorily for all the registered vehicles," he said.

Although the November 17 deadline has been given in the state government notification, there has been a lukewarm response from the public. "So, we are planning more campaigns to encourage people," he said.

However, he said the campaign had to be stopped temporarily because some have gone to court against allowing only HSRP manufacturers accredited by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to install number plates.

The deadline is about a fortnight away and the government may extend the deadline again, he said.