The Nagaland government has asked vehicle owners to remove religion-based and NGO-related stickers, slogans and signages from their vehicles within 45 days, warning of legal action for non-compliance.
Dimapur, May 9: The Nagaland government has directed vehicle owners across the state to remove religion-based and NGO-related stickers, slogans, signages and other unauthorised markings from their vehicles, saying such displays are not permitted under the Motor Vehicles Act unless officially approved.
The order applies to both private and commercial vehicles and comes as part of a wider effort to standardise vehicle identification and prevent the use of unauthorised symbols on public roads.The directive was issued through a notification dated April 30 by Robert Longchari, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, following an advisory from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
According to officials, the move is mainly aimed at ensuring uniformity in vehicle appearance and strengthening enforcement of transport regulations.Over the years, vehicles in many parts of the Northeast and across India have increasingly displayed religious phrases, NGO names, association stickers and other unofficial identifiers on windscreens, bumpers and body panels.While many vehicle owners use such markings for identity, personal beliefs or affiliation with organisations, transport authorities say unauthorised displays can create confusion and fall outside the provisions allowed under the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules.
The Nagaland government stated that only markings specifically permitted under the law can remain on vehicles.The notification cited Sections 96(2)(vi) and 111(2)(e) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, under which the directive was issued.Authorities have given vehicle owners 45 days from the date of the notification to remove all religion-based or NGO-related slogans, stickers, signages and identifiers.
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Officials warned that strict action would be taken against violators after the deadline under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and associated rules.
Transport authorities and law enforcement agencies across the state are expected to monitor compliance during enforcement drives.The government has not announced any blanket ban on personal expression itself, but clarified that vehicle displays must remain within the legal framework prescribed under transport laws.
The move reflects a broader push by authorities to tighten regulation of vehicle modifications, unauthorised markings and non-standard displays that have become increasingly common on roads.For many motorists, the notification means that stickers and slogans previously treated as harmless decorations or identity markers may now attract penalties if not removed within the specified period.
The development is also likely to trigger public discussion, particularly in Nagaland where religious and community identities are strongly visible in public life.
However, officials maintain that the directive is an administrative and legal enforcement measure rather than a restriction targeting any specific religion or organisation.