Violators to face Rs 10,000 fine, registration suspension; repeat offences may lead to cancellation; agencies directed to conduct regular checks
PANAJI
After imposing restrictions on rental vehicles to operate only from their registered office premises, the Transport Department is now cracking down on private vehicles being rented out to tourists.
In a public notice, the department has warned that violators will face a fine of Rs 10,000 and suspension of registration. Repeat offences will lead to the cancellation of registration or permit.
“It has been observed that private vehicles (white plates) and transport vehicles without valid permits are being illegally operated as rent-a-cabs in Goa. Such unauthorised operations violate the Rent-a-Cab Scheme, 1989, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and will attract strict legal consequences,” the notice issued by Director of Transport Pravimal Abhishek has warned.
As per the provisions of the MV Act, first-time offenders will face Rs 10,000 fine, suspension of registration or permit and impounding of the vehicle. Repeat offences will result in the cancellation of registration or permit, Rs 10,000 fine and vehicle impoundment.
Abhishek has urged the public not to hire unauthorised rent-a-cab services, as these vehicles do not comply with legal regulations and may compromise passenger safety. Only vehicles with valid permits (with black HSRP number plates) should be used for rent-a-cab services.
“Enforcement agencies have been directed to conduct regular checks and take immediate action against violators. Citizens are encouraged to report illegal rent-a-cab operations to their nearest Regional Transport Office or Traffic Police Station,” the notice stated, emphasizing public safety and compliance with transport regulations.
The Traffic Police have been cracking down on the illegal activity however, it has continued unabated.
This Transport Department notice comes barely 10 days after its February 21 public warning that licenses of violators would be suspended if they were caught offering rental cab services from public places such as airports and railway stations. The department cited violations of conditions outlined under the Rent-a-Cab Scheme, 1989, and directed operators to conduct their business strictly from their registered offices.
