Sir,

This refers to the letter by K.V. Srinivas (Camp: USA) in SOM dated 4th March 2022, suggesting additional writing on vehicle number plates like “Sandal State, Coconut State… etc” on the lines of his observation in the State of New Jersey in USA.

I checked the Motor Vehicle Act in this regard and it prohibits under item e) any other names or art or picture. I doubt if the design and content of vehicle number plate is a State subject which can adopt fancy slogans on the plates.

When Central Government is thinking of avoiding re-registration of vehicles when the owner moves to another State, by introducing All India number plates, carrying fancy slogans and writings specific to States  on number plates is not a good idea.

If the owner of the vehicle is so proud of hailing the uniqueness of his/her State, one is free to have the same printed/painted on the vehicle body, but not on the number plate. Again choosing an appropriate catchy slogan for the whole State is very cumbersome. Hope the authorities concerned will give a serious thinking and discussion before jumping to action.

NOTE: The MV Act (Rule 50, 51 of MV Act, 1989) specifies that the a) Registration letters and numbers shall be in black on white background for 2 wheelers / LMV Cars and Black letter on Yellow background for commercial vehicles.

b) The sizes of the number plate and also the letters shall be as given in the pamphlet for each category of vehicle.

c) Display of number plate in the front and rear side of vehicle shall be as shown in pamphlet.

d) Fancy lettering is not permitted.

e) Other names, pictures, arts should not be displayed.

– Prof. B.S. Shankara (retd.), Mysuru, 4.3.2022

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