How long can you drive a new car on a temporary number-plate

I have to make a decision about waiting/not waiting for a particular number from RTO.

BHPian nTorq recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Can someone let me know if it is OK to drive a new car in Bangalore without HSRP for a couple of days after taking delivery? I have gone through multiple news articles, but it is not entirely clear whether you are allowed to drive with a temporary registration number for a few days until the HSRP arrives. This is of course after the registration is done, and the number is sent to you via SMS.

My brother-in-law took delivery of his Ertiga last month, and the dealer delivered the car on the same day it was registered. He drove the car without the number plate for a few days, and didn't get fined anywhere in Bangalore. However, I have heard from multiple people that it is now not legal to drive home a car from the showroom without a HSRP.

I am asking this, as I have to make a decision about waiting/not waiting for a particular number from RTO. If I do decide to wait, my delivery date might get pushed (if there is a rule that I cannot drive home the vehicle without HSRP), and I don't want to move the date.

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

As far as I know, HSRP usually are approved in couple of days after number is allotted. Temporary numbers are legal and online too. Valid for around 30 days. Instead of sticker type, get these on a proper plate with stickers like old days. There were some talks about using Red and Yellow plates for this (there’s even a thread here) but don’t know if it’s implemented. I did on one of new vehicles but people thought it’s a test drive vehicle.

Best will be to speak to a traffic inspector, he will give you a practical advice.

Here's what BHPian Akshay6988 had to say on the matter:

I don't know about Karnataka RTO rules, but here in my town (tier 3 Maharashtra city) I drove my Creta with red temporary passing stickers for about 10 days. No traffic officer asked me or stopped me for this. I guess it would be fine provided there's legit reason for delay in getting the HSRP. Bring your car home on the auspicious day you've chosen to, you can later go to the showroom and get the plates installed.

Here's what BHPian itwasntme had to say on the matter:

To avoid getting caught in the stringent police checking nowadays, go to any small license plate shop and get the temporary number printed on a cheap acrilyc plate in the correct colour. Also, carry all relevant documents showing that your HSRP is on order.

I got my 330i HSRPs after 2 months but that was at the height of Unlock 1.0, and the police had other things to worry about.

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