Transport department dismisses rumours, clarifies HSRP mandatory for old vehicles

Bengaluru, Apr 5: The State Transport Department has issued a formal clarification putting an end to ongoing social media rumours suggesting that High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) are no longer mandatory for older vehicles. In a press release issued on Sunday, April 5, the department confirmed that there has been no change in the rules and the mandate remains in full effect.

The clarification comes in response to viral misinformation claiming that HSRP installation was no longer required for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. The department has categorically denied these reports, urging vehicle owners not to fall for such fake news.

Rules remain unchanged

According to the transport department, all vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019, must be fitted with HSRP. This rule is in accordance with Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which was implemented by the Central Government in 2018. Following this, the State Transport Department issued a notification in 2023 making it mandatory for all older vehicles in Karnataka to transition to the high-security plates.

Legal backing

The department further noted that during the hearing of a petition related to this matter, the court granted the government permission to proceed with the implementation. The court had instructed that the state government’s decision regarding HSRP installation should be followed.

Reiterating its stance, the transport department stated that there are no exemptions to this rule. All vehicle owners who have not yet upgraded to HSRP are requested to do so immediately through authorized dealers to avoid any legal action or penalties.