Cops Seize 11 Puducherry Registered Cars For Not Paying Karnataka Road Tax

Karnataka cops and the transport department have been in the news for the last couple of weeks. They have been taking action against owners who are using vehicles registered in other states while driving in Karnataka. Recently, we came across another incident where the transport department seized 11 vehicles with Puducherry registration numbers.

All the eleven vehicles seized by the authorities were registered in Puducherry but were being driven in Kalaburagi without paying the applicable taxes to the Karnataka government. The Kalaburagi Regional Transport Office (RTO) stated that the seized vehicles, due to non-payment of taxes, are currently parked at the driving track at the RTO office off Ring Road in the city.

The authorities also mentioned that they have informed the owners of these vehicles and have asked them to pay the taxes, complete the required procedures, and retrieve their vehicles.

A note published in the media stated, “The vehicles were registered in Puducherry. The vehicle owners need to obtain No Objection Certificates from the Puducherry Transport Office to get their vehicles registered at the Kalaburagi Transport Office after paying taxes to the Karnataka government. The drive to seize vehicles registered in other states but operating on Karnataka roads without paying Karnataka taxes will continue.”

This is not the first time we have come across such a case. People often use their connections in Puducherry and other Union Territories to get their vehicles registered there. They do this to save money on the taxes that they would otherwise have to pay in their home state. In most cases, the owners do not have proper address proof to justify that the vehicle is legally registered in Puducherry.

Additionally, vehicles registered in other states are permitted to be used in a different state only for a limited period. If you own a vehicle registered in another state and continue to use it in Karnataka beyond the permitted period, you are required to either take the vehicle back or get it registered in Karnataka. Karnataka authorities have been taking necessary action against such vehicle owners, imposing hefty fines and, in some cases, demanding full road tax payments.

The Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, states that a vehicle can remain in a different state for up to 11–12 months. However, Karnataka is enforcing a stricter 30-day rule, which contradicts the central law. This contradiction is leading to confusion among vehicle owners and costing them money.

Currently, a drive is being conducted across Karnataka to locate vehicles registered in other states. As per reports that have surfaced online, only vehicles from TN-70, which is Hosur’s registration code, and AP-39, which belongs to the border region of Andhra Pradesh’s Gajuwaka, are being spared. This is likely because vehicles from these regions belong to locals who cross the border for work and return home daily.

Presently, the rule states that if a vehicle enters Karnataka with a registration from any other state, the owner must inform the Karnataka RTO officials and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This is necessary for the vehicle to be legally used on Karnataka roads. Additionally, after 11 months, the owner must pay road tax to the RTO department. However, if the vehicle leaves Karnataka before completing 11 months, no tax needs to be paid.