Shillong: Meghalaya has launched a crackdown on VIP culture by enforcing a new policy that prohibits government vehicles from displaying official nameplates unless the designated dignitary is inside. The Display of Name Boards on Motor Vehicles Regulations, 2026, became effective on June 1 to prevent drivers or family members from leveraging official status for personal gain when the official is not present.
The Transport Department issued these rules under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Authorized individuals include the Governor, Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Speaker, MPs, MLAs, and heads of Autonomous District Councils. The policy also extends to judges, magistrates, police officers, and various senior government officials. These vehicles must display boards featuring white lettering on a red background at both the front and rear.
Officials clarified that these name boards do not offer exemptions from existing traffic laws. The notification states that "a name board does not grant any special privilege to bypass existing laws" regarding sirens, beacons, flashers, or tinted glass. These features remain illegal and continue to be monitored by the Home Police Department. Any modifications to these rules will be handled by a committee led by the Chief Secretary.
Comments