₹1,000 high-quality looms for Bengaluru commuters, 15 days left to keep away from it. Listed below are the small print

Beginning October, automobile homeowners in Bengaluru and throughout Karnataka who haven’t put in Excessive-Safety Registration Plates (HSRP) might face fines starting from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. 

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy introduced the enforcement push, reportedly giving a closing 15-day grace interval for compliance from September 20. With solely 53 lakh autos geared up out of greater than 2 crore, the crackdown is ready to influence a big variety of motorists.

The state has seen restricted compliance, with solely 53 lakh autos geared up with HSRP, out of over 2 crore older autos.

In August 2023, the Karnataka Transport Division made HSRP necessary for autos registered earlier than April 1, 2019. Regardless of a number of extensions as a result of poor response and elements just like the Lok Sabha elections, the ultimate deadline was set for September 15. 

“As a substitute of instantly imposing penalties, motorists will get 15 extra days to conform earlier than enforcement begins in October,” Reddy mentioned, referring to a latest Karnataka Excessive Court docket listening to.

Most compliance has been in Bengaluru, with much less uptake in tier II cities and rural areas. “Motorists have had sufficient time to observe the foundations,” a division official remarked.

Public service automobile homeowners, together with bus and taxi operators, are additionally contesting the necessary set up of Automobile Monitoring Units (VTD) and panic buttons, citing the excessive prices, which vary from Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000. The Karnataka State Journey Operators Affiliation has requested six extra months for compliance, pointing to produce shortages and monetary pressure. Nonetheless, officers keep that health certificates will solely be issued after verifying these units are put in.

“For the remainder of the general public service autos, health certificates will probably be issued solely after verifying that they’re fitted with VLT and panic button units,” an official acknowledged.