You see, the use of stickers on cars and bikes in India has become so common that these stickers can include symbols of the owners’ job or occupation or religion, and yes, many times, they just can be personal taglines. But is it lawful to do so, do you ever think about that? Well, no, it is actually illegal to put stickers on cars in India, just so you know from the very start.
Even though some stickers like those of doctors or lawyers are used to identify people, such types can have the same effects as the stickers as in the first case, and are truly difficult to tackle legally. Why, though? Well, in some states, specific legal provisions exist and there are some well-publicized cases where a person abused the system for their benefit and even got away with it. Let’s just go a bit deeper and find out what is really the case with putting stickers on cars in India.
So, What Does The Law Really Say About Stickers on Cars In India?
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 is the primary regulating authority when it comes to the use of stickers on vehicles in India just so you know. And yes, in accordance with Section 177, the stickers that are unauthorized are forbidden and punishable by fines, that’s for sure. Some may be the stickers that are controlled by others or those that incite unlawful activities. This is valid for professional stickers, too, which may be used by people not authorized to use them, which you should definitely get clear about. Moreover, the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 also restrict stickers on the registration plate which must remain clear and simple for identification purposes.
The fines vary with the nature of the infringement, you know? If it is the first time, one may have to pay a penalty of Rs. 100 and for subsequent offenses the fine may be raised to Rs. 300. In certain states, the penalties are even higher. For instance, it is well known that the fines for caste or religion stickers amount to Rs. 1,000 in Noida, and Ghaziabad, and the cops may fine you Rs. 5,000 for the stickers that have been placed on registration plates.
Specific Guidelines for Professional Stickers (Advocate, Doctor, Police)
You see, in the context of professional stickers meant primarily for advocates, doctors, and police officers, we can say that these serve the distinct function of their rightful use. This means the sticker should always be accessed via the right body like an NGO for advocates or if it is from the hospital, then rather a doctor is the legitimate user of it. Their primary use is to reach courts or hospitals quickly in relied-upon times when parking is limited, and timing is of the essence, you know?
Just so you know, there are people who use these professional stickers illegally to avoid traffic fines. And as we already told you, that is completely illegal, and you’ll have to pay a fine if you are caught red-handed doing that.
