Chennai Traffic Police to crack down on unauthorized vehicle stickers from May 2

According to a press release, the exposure of department identities in the form of stickers or any other symbol/mark in a private vehicle or its number plate can have wide-ranging negative impacts on the individual as well as the concerned departments.

The 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/institutions such as PRESS, Secretariat, TNEB, GCC, Defence including Police departments 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.

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 01.05.2024 to correct and rectify," the release reads," the release said.

From 02.05.2024 onwards, strict action will be taken against the violators by booking cases u/s 198 of MV Act 1988 (Unauthorized interference with motor vehicle) and CMV Rule 50 u/s 177 of MV act (defective number plate), it added. (ANI)