Rajkot bans fuel for vehicles without number plates in Gujarat first

Rajkot has become the first city in Gujarat to prohibit the sale of petrol and diesel to vehicles that do not display registered number plates, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The directive came into effect immediately and will remain in force for two months, with authorities stating that no vehicle in the city will be exempt from the rule.

The decision follows a series of enforcement drives conducted over the past several weeks. Police officials said that during each 15-day drive, more than 100 vehicles without number plates were detected, indicating a persistent and widespread issue. The absence of registration plates makes these vehicles difficult to trace through standard monitoring systems, raising concerns about their use in unlawful activities.

Senior police officials highlighted the link between untraceable vehicles and serious offences, including reckless driving, road accidents, armed robbery, and other anti-social behaviour. Joint Commissioner of Police Chaitanya Mandlik said, “Vehicles without number plates are involved in theft, loot, and other criminal activities. In fact, we all know such vehicles are also used in terrorist activities.” He stressed that the order would be applied without exception, adding, “In the interest of public safety, no fuel will be provided to vehicles without number plates.”

The Rajkot administration has also warned fuel station operators of legal consequences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) if they are found supplying fuel to vehicles without valid number plates. To ensure compliance, monitoring teams have been deployed to conduct surprise inspections at fuel outlets across the city.

This measure places Rajkot at the forefront of a stricter enforcement approach in Gujarat. While the move has been welcomed by some residents concerned about safety, others have pointed out potential inconveniences for owners of new vehicles who may be awaiting registration. The authorities, however, have clarified that the restriction targets vehicles that are entirely without number plates, and not those with temporary or valid registration marks.

Officials have urged citizens to complete the registration of their vehicles promptly and display the allotted number plates to avoid disruption in fuel supply. The two-month period is expected to serve as a pilot phase, with authorities evaluating the impact before deciding on further extension or statewide replication.

The action reflects broader efforts by state and city administrations to enhance urban security and accountability on roads. By cutting off fuel access to unregistered vehicles, officials aim to reduce the ability of offenders to evade detection and to discourage the use of such vehicles in criminal activities.

As the order takes effect, the city police have assured the public that they will continue to monitor compliance and take necessary action against violators. Fuel stations are expected to cooperate with the directive to avoid penal action, and the administration has promised a transparent and uniform implementation process.