J&K Transport Department Issues Strict Directive on Unauthorized Stickers and Modifications
Vehicle Owners Given 21 Days to Comply; Crackdown on Violators to Follow
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh March 11,2025||
Jammu :The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has issued a circular directing all vehicle owners to remove unauthorized stickers, posters, decals, and modifications from their vehicles within 21 days. The move comes in response to increasing safety concerns, legal violations, and public grievances regarding obscured visibility, offensive content on public transport, and tampered vehicle registrations.
Legal Basis for the Directive:
The circular highlights multiple violations under the Central Motor Vehicles Act (CMVA) and Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), emphasizing the following concerns:
1. Violation of Rule 100 of CMVR – Obstruction of Visibility:
• Stickers and decals pasted on front/rear windshields and side windows obstruct the driver’s view, posing a significant safety risk.
• CMVR Rule 100 mandates that all glass surfaces must be clear and unobstructed for safe driving.
2. Obscene or Unethical Content on Public Transport Vehicles:
• Multiple complaints have surfaced on social media and public grievance platforms regarding objectionable stickers, posters, and slogans on buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
• Authorities consider such content unacceptable for passengers of all age groups and religious backgrounds.
3. Illegal Masking of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) – A Serious Offense:
• Many vehicles have been found covering or tampering with High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), violating Section 39/192 of CMVA.
• Such practices are often linked to traffic rule evasion, criminal activities, and hit-and-run incidents.
• Tampering with HSRP is a punishable offense, and enforcement authorities will take strict action against violators.
4. Unauthorized Vehicle Modifications – A Threat to Passenger Safety:
• Vehicles must remain in their original registered condition unless modifications are approved by the registering authority.
• Rule 128(6)(i) of CMVR mandates that front windshields must be clear, distortion-free, and made of safety glass.
• Any modification that obstructs emergency exits or alters a vehicle’s structure is illegal.
5. Emergency Exit Obstructions – A Risk in Public Transport:
• All vehicle owners, particularly public transport operators, must ensure that emergency exits remain accessible.
• Any unauthorized modification that hinders passenger safety during emergencies will lead to legal consequences.
Enforcement Measures: What Happens After 21 Days?
The circular grants a 21-day compliance period, after which the Transport Department, Traffic Police, and District Administration will launch a special enforcement drive. The following actions will be taken:
• Physical checks on roads to identify violations.
• On-the-spot fines and penalties for non-compliant vehicles.
• Removal of illegal stickers, posters, and decals by enforcement teams.
• Legal action against vehicles with obscured registration plates.
• Seizure of vehicles found with unauthorized modifications affecting passenger safety.
Who Will Be Affected?
This directive applies to all vehicle categories, including:
✅ Private Vehicles – Owners must remove decorative decals and stickers that obstruct glass surfaces.
✅ Commercial Vehicles – Truckers and fleet operators must comply with registration plate visibility rules.
✅ Public Transport Vehicles – Buses, taxis, and autos displaying unauthorized write-ups or modifications will be penalized.
✅ Tourist and Luxury Vehicles – Clear windscreen and safety regulations under CMVR Rule 128(6)(i) must be followed.
Implications for Vehicle Owners: Why Compliance Is Important
This directive is aimed at enhancing road safety, maintaining regulatory discipline, and ensuring a standardized transport ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. Non-compliance could lead to:
• Hefty fines and penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.
• Seizure of vehicles found violating safety norms.
• Cancellation of vehicle registration for severe violations.
• Legal action against transport operators failing to meet public safety standards.
Government’s Vision: A Safer and Disciplined Transport System in J&K
The Transport Department’s latest move is part of a broader government strategy to:
✔ Minimize road accidents caused by distractions and poor visibility.
✔ Ensure all vehicles are legally registered and structurally compliant.
✔ Eliminate unauthorized modifications that compromise safety.
✔ Promote a clean, regulated, and ethical public transport system.
Public Reaction: Mixed Responses from Stakeholders
The transport directive has drawn mixed reactions from different sections of society:
• Traffic police and enforcement agencies have welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step toward better road discipline.
• Public transport users have supported the ban on offensive content in buses and taxis, stating that inappropriate stickers create an uncomfortable environment for commuters.
• Some vehicle owners, however, argue that the rules should be enforced gradually rather than through strict penalties from day one.
Compliance is Key:
With the 21-day deadline ticking, vehicle owners in Jammu and Kashmir must act swiftly to remove unauthorized stickers, decals, and modifications to avoid penalties and enforcement actions. The transport department has made it clear: Non-compliance will not be tolerated.
As the enforcement drive begins, all eyes will be on how strictly the authorities implement these rules and whether this move leads to safer and more disciplined roads in J&K.
Office of LG, J&K
Omar Abdullah
Sunil Sharma
Satish Sharma
Deputy CM Surinder choudhary
Jammu and Kashmir
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