Dimapur, September 11 (MExN): The Dimapur Police Commissionerate has provided a 30-day compliance window to vehicle owners and drivers to verify and update their vehicle documents, citing statutory requirements under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
In a press release issued by Dy Commissioner of Police (Crime)/PRO, Dimapur, the Commissionerate said the maintenance of valid and updated vehicle documents is mandatory under the Act and its rules and amendments. Owners and drivers have been advised to review their documents and ensure they remain valid and available for production before authorised officers.
The compliance period, effective from the date of issuance of the release, is intended to facilitate voluntary compliance and “shall not be construed as a relaxation of or exemption from” the provisions of the Act or any other applicable law, the police said. Enforcement action against traffic violations, unsafe driving, and other offences will continue during this period.
Special focus areas for enforcement
The Commissionerate said particular attention shall be given to several violations during and after the compliance period.
On vehicles registered outside Nagaland, attention was invited to Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which requires the owner of a motor vehicle registered in another State and kept in Nagaland for a period exceeding twelve months to apply for the assignment of a new registration mark in accordance with the law.
On juvenile driving, it said strict action shall be taken in cases involving juveniles driving motor vehicles. Under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the guardian or owner of the vehicle may be held liable for offences committed by a juvenile, subject to the provisions and presumptions contained therein. Such offences may attract imprisonment and/or fine as prescribed by law.
On transfer of ownership, vehicle owners were reminded that following the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle, the transfer of ownership must be duly reported and recorded in accordance with Section 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the applicable procedure, so that the Registration Certificate reflects the lawful owner.
The release also prohibited the installation or use of unauthorised multi-coloured flashing or strobe lights, including red, blue, or other prohibited combinations, on private or unauthorised vehicles.
Such devices may create a false impression of official authority or priority and shall be dealt with under the applicable provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
On dazzling or improper lighting, it said the use of high-intensity, improperly aligned, or modified lights that cause glare, danger, or inconvenience to other road users is a serious road-safety concern. Such violations shall be dealt with under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Appeal to public
The Commissionerate appealed to all vehicle owners and drivers to use this opportunity to verify and regularise their vehicle documents and ensure full compliance with the law. “The objective of this initiative is to promote road safety, responsible vehicle ownership, lawful operation of vehicles, and greater compliance with existing statutory provisions, thereby making the roads of Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland safer for all,” it said. All concerned have been requested to extend their cooperation in the larger interest of public safety and orderly traffic management.
