Crackdown unauthorised use of emblems, logos on vehicles nets ₹1.20 crore in fines, but citizens in Bengaluru says action is not enough

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The Karnataka Transport Department has penalised nearly 15,000 motorists since 2019 for unauthorised use of government emblems, names, and logos on vehicles.

According to official data accessed by The Hindu, between December 28, 2019, and July 31, 2025, a total of 14,982 vehicles attracted a fined, with ₹1,20,61,097 collected in penalties.

However, citizens insist that the crackdown has not been effective, as such violations continue to be commonly seen on roads in Bengaluru.

Officials said that motorists often misuse their registration plates by displaying emblems of government departments, boards, and associations without authorisation. In several cases, number plates were found carrying names, designations, or symbols unrelated to registration details.

“Routine checks are being conducted across Karnataka to curb such violations,” a Transport Department official said.

The crackdown is not limited to government insignia. Officials said that unauthorised logos and names of non-governmental organisations are also prohibited.

“Earlier government orders have reinforced that displaying unnecessary names or emblems on number plates violates Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (Rules 50 and 51) and the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950,” said a Transport Department official.

He further urged vehicle owners to ensure their number plates conform to prescribed standards, warning of tighter enforcement against ‘fancy’ fonts, unclear lettering, and decorative designs.

In Bengaluru, fines for defective plates stand at ₹500 for a first-time offence and ₹1,000 for repeat violations.

Defective number plates 

According to data accessed by The Hindu, 1,55,907 cases were booked between April 1, 2015, and June 30, 2025 for defective number plates, leading to collection of ₹4,52,59,900 in fines. Officials emphasised that only numerals and series letters are permitted on registration plates.

“Designations such as ‘President’, ‘Secretary’ or any other tags must not appear,” the official added.

While the department has been claiming that enforcement is being carried out, citizens remain sceptical.

Lokesh Kumar, a resident of Basaveshwarnagar, said, “If ordinary people break the rules, we are made to pay fines. But many celebrities, actors, officials and even politicians have fancy plates with unique fonts on luxury cars? Are they ever penalised?”

Report illegal plates

Karthik Prasad from J.P. Nagar said that the department’s action is insufficient compared to the scale of violations. “The numbers seem very low considering how many vehicles carry unauthorised plates and logos. Such vehicles are visible across the city. Both the Transport Department and the traffic police must intensify checks,” he said.

In response to these concerns, officials pointed out that a dedicated WhatsApp helpline — 9449863459 — has been launched to help people report offenders. “People can click a photograph of the vehicle, note the location, and send it through WhatsApp. Action will be taken according to the law,” an official said.