Motor Vehicles Act: Section 46 – Effectiveness in India of registration

Subject to the provisions of section 47, a motor vehicle registered in accordance with this Chapter in any State shall not require to be registered elsewhere in India and a certificate of registration issued or in force under this Act in respect of such vehicle shall be effective throughout India.

Simplified Explanation

Section 46 ensures that a vehicle registered in any state or union territory in India is legally valid to be driven or used in any other part of the country. This allows vehicle owners to move freely across state borders without needing to re-register the vehicle in every new state they enter, promoting seamless travel across India.

Key Points

  1. All-India Validity:
    • Once a motor vehicle is registered under the Motor Vehicles Act in any state or union territory, that registration is effective throughout India.
    • This means the vehicle can be legally driven in any part of the country without the need for additional registration in every state.
  2. No Need for Re-Registration:
    • A vehicle owner does not need to re-register the vehicle when crossing state boundaries, as long as the vehicle stays within the original state for a temporary period (such as for travel or business).
    • However, if the owner permanently shifts to another state and intends to use the vehicle there for an extended period, the vehicle may need to be re-registered in the new state after a certain period, typically 12 months, as per Section 47 of the Act.
  3. Inter-State Travel:
    • This section is particularly useful for those who frequently travel between states for personal or professional reasons. A vehicle registered in one state can move and operate freely in another state without legal complications regarding registration.
  4. Compliance with State Laws:
    • While the registration remains valid nationwide, the vehicle owner must still comply with local traffic laws and regulations of the state or union territory in which the vehicle is being driven. For instance, vehicle owners must follow state-specific laws about tolls, taxes, emission norms, etc.
  5. Temporary Stay in Other States:
    • For short trips or temporary stays in another state, there is no need to worry about transferring the registration. However, if the vehicle is intended to be permanently used in another state, the owner may be required to apply for a new registration number in the state of relocation, under Section 47.

Example Scenario

If a person registers their vehicle in Maharashtra and later drives it to Karnataka for a work assignment or a family trip, they can continue using the vehicle without needing to register it in Karnataka. As per Section 46, the Maharashtra registration is valid across all states, including Karnataka.

However, if the person decides to permanently settle in Karnataka and use the vehicle there for an extended period, they may eventually need to re-register the vehicle in Karnataka as per local laws, covered under Section 47.

Importance

Section 46 facilitates smooth inter-state travel and commerce by ensuring that a vehicle registered in one part of India remains legally valid throughout the country. This provision eliminates the need for re-registering a vehicle every time it crosses state boundaries, making travel more convenient for individuals, businesses, and transport operators.

Conclusion

Section 46 of the Motor Vehicles Act guarantees that the registration of a vehicle in one state is valid across India, allowing for seamless inter-state travel and transport. Vehicle owners do not need to worry about re-registration when temporarily traveling to other states, promoting hassle-free mobility across the country.

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