A growing number of private vehicles across Uttar Pradesh are openly displaying labels such as “Uttar Pradesh Government” or “Uttar Pradesh Shasan”, raising serious concerns over blatant violations of motor vehicle and emblem misuse laws. Despite clear legal prohibitions, the trend continues unchecked, exposing gaps in enforcement by the transport and administrative authorities.
Under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, general violations invite penalties, while the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, explicitly bars the unauthorised use of words like “Government” or “State Government.” Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh State Emblem (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2021, restrict the use of government names and symbols exclusively to officially authorised vehicles.
Who Is Allowed to Use Government Identity?
As per rules, only designated constitutional authorities—such as the Governor, Chief Minister, Ministers, Speaker of the Assembly, and High Court judges—can display government identifiers on their official vehicles. However, several influential individuals, political supporters, and so-called power brokers have allegedly converted private cars into pseudo-government vehicles.
Public Confusion and Abuse of Authority
Citizens allege that drivers of such vehicles frequently flout traffic rules, intimidate enforcement personnel, and escape action by projecting a false sense of authority. This not only misleads the public but also sends a dangerous message of misuse of power and erosion of rule of law.
Legal Experts Warn of Serious Consequences
Legal experts stress that unauthorised display of government names, symbols, or emblems is a punishable offence. Violators can face fines, vehicle seizure, and in serious cases, criminal action under applicable laws. Recent rulings by the Kerala and Karnataka High Courts have clearly directed authorities to act against illegal use of official symbols on private vehicles.
Despite this, enforcement on the ground remains sporadic and selective, allowing the practice to spread.
Demand for Statewide Crackdown
Public voices are now demanding a statewide enforcement drive to identify and penalise all such vehicles, ensuring strict compliance with Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 (Rules 50 and 51), which govern registration marks and prohibit unauthorised additions.
The pressing question remains:
How long will private vehicles continue to operate above the law under the false cover of government identity?
