Can The Government Cancel The Registration Of Repeatedly Violating Vehicles?

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the government has the authority to cancel the registration of vehicles that repeatedly violate traffic laws. This measure serves as a deterrent against habitual offenders and aims to promote road safety by ensuring that vehicles that pose a threat to public safety are taken off the road.

Legal Provisions and Circumstances for Cancellation

Authority to Cancel Registration:

According to Section 53 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) has the authority to cancel the registration of any vehicle that repeatedly violates traffic rules or poses a risk to public safety. The cancellation can occur after the vehicle is involved in multiple traffic offenses and is deemed unfit for use on public roads.

Repeated Violations and Traffic Offenses:

A vehicle can face registration cancellation if it is involved in severe or repeated violations. Some common violations leading to registration cancellation include:

• Over-speeding.
• Drunk driving or driving under the influence.
• Reckless driving or dangerous driving.
• Illegal modifications that compromise road safety.
• Multiple unpaid fines or failure to pay traffic penalties.
• Accumulation of points on the vehicle owner’s driving record due to continuous violations.

Procedure for Cancellation:

The government typically initiates the cancellation of a vehicle’s registration after a thorough investigation of the offenses. This includes:

• Issuing notices to the vehicle owner regarding repeated violations.
• Providing an opportunity for the vehicle owner to defend or rectify the violations.
• After failure to comply with the rules or continued violations, the RTO may cancel the registration.

Vehicle Impoundment:

In addition to canceling registration, authorities can also impound the vehicle if it is involved in a serious offense. The vehicle may remain impounded until the owner clears the violations and pays the required penalties. If the vehicle continues to violate traffic laws, it can be permanently removed from the road.

Impact of Cancellation:

Cancellation of the vehicle’s registration renders it illegal to operate on public roads. Without registration, the vehicle cannot be legally driven, sold, or transferred. The owner must go through the process of re-registration, which could be denied depending on the severity of the offenses.

Protection of Public Safety:

This provision helps ensure public safety by removing vehicles that repeatedly engage in dangerous driving or cause accidents. The primary objective is to discourage dangerous behavior and reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

Example:

In 2020, a vehicle owner in Delhi had accumulated several traffic violations, including multiple instances of drunk driving, speeding, and reckless driving. Despite multiple fines and warnings, the vehicle was involved in an accident causing damage to public property. As a result, the RTO canceled the vehicle's registration and impounded it. The owner was required to pay substantial fines and demonstrate compliance with road safety rules before the registration could be reinstated.