Punjab Slaps Huge Fines on Late Vehicle Transfers
Key Takeaways
- The Punjab Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department amended the Punjab Motor Vehicles Rules, 1969.
- Stricter, tiered penalties are now imposed for failing to report vehicle ownership transfers on time.
- Fines vary significantly by vehicle type and delay duration, with motorcycles facing lower penalties than cars/jeeps.
- Penalties for delays between 31 and 120 days range from Rs. 1,000 up to Rs. 30,000.
- The goal of the amendment is to ensure timely reporting, maintain accurate records, and reduce fraud.
The Punjab Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department has officially announced amendments to the Punjab Motor Vehicles Rules, 1969, focusing on stricter enforcement of vehicle ownership transfer reporting deadlines. This amendment applies to Rule 47(3), mandating that transferees who fail to report a change in ownership within the prescribed period must pay significantly increased penalties on top of the standard transfer fee. The new fines are clearly tiered: for motorcycles and scooters, penalties escalate from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 4,000 based on delays of 31 to 120 days, while larger vehicles face much higher fines, reaching Rs. 30,000 for similar delays. The government's stated objective for this revision is to maintain precise vehicle records and actively reduce fraudulent practices associated with ownership documentation. Furthermore, the authorities warned that non-compliance extending beyond 120 days could result in further legal complications for the vehicle owner.
