Bengaluru: In a move aimed at curbing the menace of unauthorised autorickshaws and improving commuter safety, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has announced plans to introduce verification stickers that will be mandatorily displayed on the exterior of all autos operating in the city.

The proposed stickers, along with QR code-enabled digital display cards, are intended to help both enforcement authorities and commuters easily identify authorised autorickshaws and distinguish them from illegal operators, senior traffic police officials said.

Verification stickers to identify authorised autos

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy said the verification sticker initiative is currently in the planning stage and will be implemented shortly. The stickers will be affixed prominently on the outside of autorickshaws, making it easier for traffic police personnel to conduct spot checks and for passengers to verify whether an auto is legally permitted to operate.

“This is still being planned, but we will execute it soon. The idea is to create a visible and simple method to identify authorised autos,” Reddy said.

Illegal autorickshaws have been a persistent issue in the city, with many vehicles operating without valid permits, meters, or adherence to fare regulations. Such autos are often accused of overcharging, refusing short-distance rides, and operating in restricted zones, leading to frequent complaints from commuters.

Traffic police officials believe that visible verification stickers will act as both a deterrent and a compliance tool, discouraging unauthorised operators from plying on city roads.

QR code-enabled display cards planned

Alongside verification stickers, the BTP is set to roll out QR code-enabled display cards for all autorickshaws. These display cards, which will be placed inside the vehicle, will be linked to the Astram App, a digital platform used by the traffic police.

When scanned, the QR code will display key details of the driver, including photograph, residential address, contact number, driving licence details and vehicle registration information. The initiative is expected to enhance transparency and provide commuters with a quick way to verify driver credentials.

The display cards were originally slated for launch in mid-January but were delayed due to technical issues. “We faced some technical snags, but we are confident that the cards will be available by the end of January,” Reddy said.

He clarified that every driver will need a separate display card for each autorickshaw they operate. “The cards are customised for drivers and are not linked to vehicle owners or permits. If a driver rents multiple autos, he will require individual display cards for each,” he explained.

Mandatory for all autos

Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) of Karnataka, M A Saleem, said both the verification stickers and QR-enabled display cards would be made mandatory for all autorickshaws operating in Bengaluru.

“These identification documents will help curb illegal autos and improve accountability. Once implemented, all autos will be required to have both the verification sticker and the QR-enabled display card,” Saleem said.

Police officials believe that the combination of visible external stickers and detailed digital information will significantly strengthen enforcement and reduce disputes between commuters and drivers.

Meter calibration remains a concern

The new initiatives come against the backdrop of persistent issues related to fare violations and uncalibrated meters in the city. As of May 2025, Bengaluru had around 3.6 lakh registered autorickshaws. However, only about 45,000 of them have recalibrated their meters to reflect the revised fares introduced in August last year.

After a gap of four years, autorickshaw fares were revised, with the base fare increased to ₹36 for the first 1.9 km, up from ₹30 earlier. The fare for each subsequent kilometre was raised to ₹18 from ₹15. Despite the revision, complaints of overcharging and refusal to ply by the meter continue to be widespread.

Officials from the Department of Legal Metrology said multiple awareness campaigns were conducted, and the deadline for meter recalibration was extended until the end of December. However, compliance has remained poor.

“We have raised awareness and given sufficient time to recalibrate meters, but the response from drivers has been disappointing,” a senior official said.

Enforcement drive announced

To address the issue, the department has announced a three-day enforcement drive starting Saturday to crack down on autorickshaws that have not recalibrated their meters according to the new fares. During the drive, offenders will be fined ₹500.

Officials said repeated violations could attract stricter action, including suspension of permits. The enforcement drive is expected to be carried out in coordination with the traffic police.

Conclusion

The proposed verification stickers and QR code-enabled display cards mark a renewed attempt by the Bengaluru Traffic Police to bring greater order and transparency to the city’s autorickshaw sector. While technology-driven measures are expected to aid enforcement, officials acknowledge that sustained monitoring and cooperation from drivers will be crucial for long-term success. For commuters, the initiatives offer hope of safer, more accountable and fairly priced last-mile transport in a city where autorickshaws remain an essential mode of travel.