Don’t Forget To Carry Documents While Driving In Odisha, Here’s Why

Bhubaneswar: Motorists in Odisha shouldn’t forget to carry valid motor vehicle documents while driving as the State Transport Authority (STA) is planning to launch a special inspection drive across the state.

The authority has warned that vehicle owners found to be plying without valid documents are likely to face legal action under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.

According to reports, special teams will be formed to check vehicle related documents in the state. But, the one-time tax exemption scheme, which was earlier announced by Commerce and Transport department, will continue to be applicable for commercial vehicle owners.

The authority has also asked commercial vehicle owners—who are yet to settle the tax dues—to clear the pending amounts and avail exemption from the penalty. Transport commissioner, Amitabh Thakur, had held discussions in this regard with senior officials and regional transport officers (RTOs).

Thakur told the officials that before initiating enforcement activities, steps should be taken to ensure the tax exemption scheme available till December 26 reaches as many commercial vehicle owners as possible. Owners with pending dues till March 31, 2022 can take the benefit of the tax exemption.

According to the scheme, owners who want to scrap their vehicles can also avail its benefits. Vehicles with tax arrears from April 1, 1992 to March 31, 2020 can avail a 50 per cent waiver on the tax amount. A full waiver on penalties is applicable. For vehicles with outstanding taxes before April 1, 1992, a 100 per cent waiver was announced.

But, the norm is slightly different for tractors, trailers, three-wheeler passenger and goods vehicles. The STA informed that the detailed information on the exemptions were available at all RTOs and on Transport department’s official website.