Govt Boards on Private Vehicles: KM Shaji’s Argument Baseless; Attempts to Evade Accountability by Citing Non-Existent Law

Thiruvananthapuram: The claim by Minister K M Shaji that ministers can freely travel in private vehicles fitted with government boards is illegal. Under Kerala’s motor vehicle regulations, placing a government board on a private vehicle without permission constitutes a serious violation of the rules.

Under Rule 92A of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, there are strict restrictions on displaying name boards on motor vehicles. The rules prohibit the use of boards on privately owned or rented vehicles displaying the name of an institution or the designation of an official when the vehicle is not owned by the government.

Individuals and private institutions are also not permitted to use boards displaying the Kerala Government, government or other official designations in a manner that could mislead the public.

Only senior government officials and official vehicles specifically authorised under the rules are permitted to display name boards, subject to the prescribed standards. The Motor Vehicles Department has been imposing heavy fines and initiating legal action against vehicles found displaying such unauthorised boards.