The Dimapur Police Commissionerate has given vehicle owners and drivers a 30-day compliance window to verify and update their vehicle documents, while making it clear that the period does not amount to any relaxation of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
In a press release issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime)/PRO, Dimapur, the Commissionerate said maintaining valid and updated vehicle documents is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, its rules and subsequent amendments.
Vehicle owners and drivers have been advised to review their documents and ensure that all required records remain valid and are available for production before authorised officers when required.
The 30-day period, which will begin from the date of issuance of the police release, is intended to give vehicle owners an opportunity to voluntarily comply with the statutory requirements. The police clarified that the compliance window “shall not be construed as a relaxation of or exemption from” the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act or any other applicable law.
The Commissionerate also made it clear that enforcement against traffic violations, unsafe driving and other offences will continue during the compliance period.
Focus on vehicles registered outside Nagaland
The police said particular attention would be given to vehicles registered outside Nagaland. Vehicle owners were reminded of the requirement under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, relating to vehicles registered in another state and kept in Nagaland for more than 12 months.
Under the provision, the owner of such a vehicle is required to apply for the assignment of a new registration mark in accordance with the law.
Strict action against juvenile driving
The Commissionerate also warned against driving by juveniles and said strict action would be taken in such cases.
It pointed to Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, under which the guardian or owner of a vehicle may be held liable for offences committed by a juvenile, subject to the provisions and presumptions contained in the law.
Such offences may attract imprisonment and/or fines as prescribed under the applicable provisions.
Vehicle ownership transfers must be recorded
The police also reminded vehicle owners to complete the required formalities when a vehicle is sold or transferred.
Under Section 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the transfer of ownership must be duly reported and recorded through the prescribed procedure so that the Registration Certificate reflects the lawful owner of the vehicle.
The Commissionerate urged owners to ensure that ownership records are updated following any sale or transfer.
Warning over unauthorised flashing lights
The release further prohibited the installation or use of unauthorised multi-coloured flashing or strobe lights on private or unauthorised vehicles. This includes prohibited combinations involving red, blue or other colours.
The police said such devices could create a false impression of official authority or priority and would be dealt with under the applicable provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The Commissionerate also raised concerns over dazzling and improperly used vehicle lights. It said high-intensity, incorrectly aligned or modified lights that cause glare, danger or inconvenience to other road users constitute a serious road-safety concern.
Such violations, the police said, would be dealt with under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
The Dimapur Police Commissionerate has urged vehicle owners and drivers to use the 30-day period to check their documents and complete any necessary updates, while stressing that compliance with traffic and road-safety laws remains mandatory throughout the period.
