Smartcards Replace Driving Licences In Karnataka

Karnataka’s transport department turned tech savvy yesterday by launching 16-kb microchip-embedded ‘smartcards’ to replace driving licences and vehicle registration booklets.

Driving licence holders and vehicle owners will have to change over to the smartcards within two years.

The smartcard, costing Rs 200, would prevent forgery in licences and registration booklets, transport minister R Ashok said at a function at which chief minister B S Yeddyurappa launched the microchip-embedded plastic card.

The chip stores the details of the driver/ owner and can keep record of traffic violations, conviction and details of road accidents involving the driver and the vehicle.

Five regional transport offices in Bangalore began issuing the smartcards yesterday. By September this year, the remaining 50 regional transport offices in other parts of Karnataka will also start issuing these cards. (IANS)