Chennai: The Traffic Police of Greater Chennai has recently announced plans to take strict action against drivers who display unauthorized stickers or logos on their private vehicles starting May 2. A
Chennai: The Traffic Police of Greater Chennai has recently announced plans to take strict action against drivers who display unauthorized stickers or logos on their private vehicles starting May 2. As per the press release issued by Chennai Traffic Police, the unnecessary showcasing of departmental identities via stickers or any other marks on a private vehicle, including the license plate, could potentially lead to unwanted trouble, affecting both the implicated individual and the concerned departments, as per a report by news agency ANI.
The Chennai police department emphasized that many private vehicles in Chennai City bear stickers or markings that suggest links to government departments, which can lead to confusion among the public and law enforcement, ultimately compromising safety and operational efficiency.
“Mostly, the names of the departments and institutions such as PRESS, Secretariat, TNEB, GCC, and Defense, including the Police Department, can be seen in private vehicles in Chennai City. These implications are either exposed in the number plate or any other part of the vehicle,” the release read.
“Revealing such government affiliation in private vehicles could compromise operating efficiency and safety. Also, it may lead to misuse of the department’s reputation and also deviate officers and police personnel during their field duty,” it added.
The release also noted the presence of symbols or logos depicting political parties or falsely representing professions such as doctors or advocates on many private vehicles.
Violators To Face Legal Action
Starting May 2, 2024, violators will face legal action, including booking under Section 198 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for unauthorized interference with motor vehicles, and Section 177 for defective number plates under Central Motor Vehicles Rule 50. The Greater Chennai Traffic Police urged road users to remove any unauthorized stickers or identifiers from their private vehicles by May 1, 2024, to avoid legal consequences.
“Considering the seriousness of this fact, Greater Chennai Traffic Police hereby warns the road users against these practices and provides a time period till May 1, 2024 to correct and rectify,” the release reads.
From May 2, 2024 onwards, strict action will be taken against the violators by booking cases u/s 198 of the MV Act 1988 (unauthorized interference with motor vehicles) and CMV Rule 50 u/s 177 of the MV Act (defective number plate), it added.
(With inputs from agencies)