Smart cards replace driving licenses in Karnataka

Bangalore:The Karnataka Government newly launched a new system in the Transport System which is replacing smart cards instead of driving licenses.

Karnataka's transport department turned tech savvy Thursday by launching 16-kb microchip embedded 'smart cards' to replace driving licenses and vehicle registration booklets.

Driving license holders and vehicle owners will have to change over to the smart cards within two years.
The smart card, costs Rs.200, which will prevent forgery in licenses 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 can store large amount of information about 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 smart cards Thursday. By September, the remaining 50 regional transport offices in other parts of Karnataka will also start issuing these cards.

Smart cards are better when compared to driving licenses.Please encourage this new system.