Caste and religion-specific words or stickers on vehicles are very common in India. However, it is prohibited under Section 179 (1) of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, still, people put a number of stickers and slogans/caste-based names on their vehicles. Unfortunately, those who put such names or logos on their vehicles ignore the guidelines or are not aware of the norms.
The traffic police in big cities occasionally launch awareness campaigns and drives to take action against violators. In accordance with the law, the Gautam Budh Nagar and the Ghaziabad Traffic Police launched a special drive and issued challans to more than 1,000 vehicles bearing 'caste and religion-specific words or stickers'. The action was part of a 10-day special drive that commenced on August 11 and ended on Sunday.
Is putting up words or stickers on vehicles is a violation of traffic rules?
Yes, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Anil Kumar Yadav, putting up words or stickers indicating religion and caste on vehicles is a violation of traffic rules and action was taken in the district as per the instructions issued in this regard by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
What does the rule say?
Deputy Commissioner of Police Yadav said there is provision of a challan of Rs 2,500 for the vehicles having black film on the glass, while a challan of Rs 1000 is slapped for the vehicles with "caste or religion remarks". As per the law, it is inappropriate to put anything other than the number plate on the vehicles. Even the font size of the number and its style should also conform to the rule. Tha act is an offence under Section 179(1) of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.
What Section 179(1) of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act says
According to Section 179 (1) in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (1), whoever wilfully disobeys any direction lawfully given by any person or authority empowered under this Act to give such direction, or obstructs any person or authority in the discharge of any functions which such person or authority is required or empowered under this Act to discharge, shall, if no other penalty is provided for the offence be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees. Section 179(1) is a residuary penalty clause which implies that this clause puts an obligation on the party at fault to pay compensation for any contravention they make in relation to the act or rule, regulation, or notification related to it.
Guidelines to use logo/sticker on vehicles
One can use an advertisement or campaign logo or any special purpose after obtaining a branding license or permission from the RTO or civic authorities.
