Crackdown on vehicles with Govt. insignia or similar signs from June 1

Only Govt. vehicles bearing ‘G’ series registration plates permitted to display logos

Bengaluru: The use of boards and logos representing Government Departments, Boards, Corporations and non-Government agencies on private vehicles is strictly prohibited and can result in penal action and punishment for repeat offences.

Certain private vehicle drivers have reportedly exploited this prohibition, engaging in misuse and displaying arrogant and power-drunk behaviour. Some individuals behave as if they are VIPs simply by affixing Government emblems onto their vehicles. According to regulations, only Central and State Government vehicles are permitted to display the name, emblem and logo of the respective Government entities. 

However, in Bengaluru and Mysuru, numerous vehicles affiliated with Government Bodies, private organisations and even individuals have been found to unlawfully sport Government logos and symbols.

The Transport Department has already registered hundreds of cases in this regard.

In response to this misuse, the State Transport Department has established special investigation teams tasked with identifying and rectifying instances of unauthorised registration plates.

A crackdown on private vehicles engaging in such violations will begin on June 1.

Mallikarjun, the Additional Transport Commissioner, said that as per Transport Department regulations, only Government vehicles bearing the ‘G’ series of registration plates are permitted to display the name and logo of the Karnataka Government. 

Vehicles associated with Government-affiliated entities, including Local Bodies, Boards and Corporations, are prohibited from utilising the Government logo or insignia.

For instance, although KSRTC is a State-owned Corporation, it is not authorised to use the Government’s name and logo.

The Transport Department has issued a stern warning, indicating that action will be taken against vehicles found to be displaying unauthorised Government logos under the Motor Vehicles Act. Cases will be filed against the offenders accordingly.