The Dimapur Police Commissionerate has provided a 30-day compliance window to all vehicle owners and drivers within its jurisdiction to verify, update, renew or rectify deficiencies in their vehicle-related documents.
In a press release, the Commissionerate said maintaining valid and updated vehicle documents is a statutory requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and rules framed thereunder. The initiative is aimed at promoting road safety, lawful operation of vehicles and effective enforcement of traffic regulations.
The 30-day period is intended to facilitate voluntary compliance and will not amount to any relaxation or exemption from the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act or other applicable laws. Enforcement action against traffic violations, unsafe driving and other offences will continue during the compliance period.
Vehicle owners and drivers have been advised to ensure that the Registration Certificate (RC), appropriate driving licence, valid insurance, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, fitness certificate and permit, wherever applicable, are valid and updated.
For heavy motor vehicles, transport and commercial vehicles, owners must additionally ensure compliance with applicable motor vehicle tax requirements and possess valid fitness and route permits wherever required. Two-wheeler owners must ensure valid registration, insurance, driving licence and PUC certification, wherever applicable.
For three-wheelers/auto-rickshaws, the Police said obtaining and displaying the prescribed Auto Rickshaw Display Card System (ARDCS) would be mandatory.
The Commissionerate has also advised vehicle owners to ensure that the particulars reflected in their documents correspond with the actual ownership and other details of the vehicle.
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Focus on outside-State vehicles, juvenile driving
Particular attention would be given to vehicles registered outside Nagaland. The Police said Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act requires owners of vehicles registered in another State and kept in Nagaland for more than 12 months to apply for assignment of a new registration mark as prescribed under law.
Strict action would also be taken against cases involving juvenile driving. Under Section 199A of the Act, the guardian or owner of the vehicle may be held liable for offences committed by a juvenile, subject to the provisions of law, with imprisonment and/or fine prescribed for such offences.
Vehicle owners have also been reminded to report and complete the transfer of ownership following the sale or transfer of a vehicle, as required under Section 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, so that the Registration Certificate reflects the lawful owner.
Strobe lights, dazzling headlights under scrutiny
The Police Commissionerate warned against the installation or use of unauthorised multi-coloured flashing or strobe lights, including prohibited red, blue or other combinations, on private or unauthorised vehicles.
It also cautioned against the use of high-intensity, improperly aligned or modified lights that cause glare, danger or inconvenience to other road users. Such violations will be dealt with under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
The Dimapur Police Commissionerate appealed to all vehicle owners and drivers to utilise the compliance period to regularise their documents and ensure full adherence to the law.
It said the initiative was intended to promote responsible vehicle ownership, safer roads and orderly traffic management across Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland.
