Autobayng News Team
- Published On May 30, 2026 at 02:50 PM IST
Thousands of vehicle owners in the State are struggling to comply with the mandatory High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) rule as technical glitches and the shutdown of several automobile companies have made it nearly impossible for many owners of old vehicles to obtain the new number plates. The Transport Department has made HSRP compulsory for all vehicles purchased before April 1, 2019, but owners of vintage cars and discontinued vehicle models say they are stuck in bureaucratic limbo, unable to secure HSRP plates or even obtain No Objection Certificates (NOC) required for vehicle transfers and ownership changes.
According to official estimates, Karnataka has nearly 2.45 crore vehicles registered before 2019, including around 2 crore vehicles that are over 15 years old. While the scrappage process for ageing vehicles has begun, it is not mandatory for private vehicles, allowing roadworthy old vehicles to continue operating legally.
The problem has worsened because several automobile manufacturers such as Daewoo, Opel, Mitsubishi Motors, Harley-Davidson and Ford Motor Company have either shut operations in India or exited the market. Owners say that when they enter vehicle details on the Transport Department’s HSRP portal, the system fails to recognise the manufacturer’s name, preventing them from booking or purchasing number plates.
Transport officials maintain that there is currently no restriction on vehicles older than 15, 20 or even 30 years obtaining HSRP plates, provided the vehicle data matches records in the Vahan database.“>
With no clear guidelines on alternative procedures, many owners are making repeated visits to Regional Transport Offices seeking answers.
The issue has also disrupted inter-state vehicle transfers. Similar complaints have emerged from owners of classic and vintage vehicles across Bengaluru and other parts of the State. Officials admit there is confusion over how vintage vehicles that are over 50 years old should be registered or renewed under existing rules. Though such vehicles are generally not permitted for regular road use, owners frequently showcase them during rallies, exhibitions and special events.
Transport officials maintain that there is currently no restriction on vehicles older than 15, 20 or even 30 years obtaining HSRP plates, provided the vehicle data matches records in the Vahan database. However, without HSRP, owners cannot transfer ownership, change addresses in registration certificates, add or remove hypothecation details, obtain NOCs or legally sell their vehicles.
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