Maharashtra has launched a 13-day enforcement drive against vehicles registered in other states but regularly used within the state, with officials instructed to identify vehicles operating in Maharashtra for more than one year and act against registration and tax violations.
The campaign, ordered by Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, will run across Maharashtra from October 5 to October 17, according to an order reported by Mid-Day. Transport officials have been directed to inspect documents and establish how long an out-of-state vehicle has been operating in the state.
Under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, vehicles registered in another state and kept in Maharashtra beyond the permitted period are required to be re-registered in Maharashtra. The department’s instructions focus on vehicles that have remained in the state for more than one year and may therefore be liable for re-registration and payment of applicable taxes.
Enforcement teams will operate through squads and nakas at locations where out-of-state vehicles are suspected to be in regular use. Checks are expected at metropolitan areas, industrial zones, residential complexes, malls and other locations across the state.
Officials will verify registration documents and other available evidence to determine whether vehicles are complying with Maharashtra’s registration and tax requirements. Where violations are detected, vehicle owners will be required to complete the applicable registration and tax formalities. The department has also authorised action, including detention where warranted under the rules, against vehicles liable for re-registration and tax payment.
The drive is aimed at vehicles brought into Maharashtra from other states that continue to be used locally without completing the required legal and tax procedures. The department’s instructions place responsibility on enforcement teams to establish the duration and regularity of use rather than relying only on the state shown on a vehicle’s registration certificate.
The Transport Department has ordered daily digital monitoring of the campaign. Teams will maintain records through a Google Sheet containing vehicle registration numbers, action taken against each vehicle, the number of vehicles detained and the amount of tax recovered.
A consolidated report on the enforcement operation will be submitted to the Transport Commissioner’s office after the campaign concludes on October 17. The department is expected to intensify checks in areas where vehicles registered outside Maharashtra are commonly seen during the 13-day drive.