Transport dept gives notice to Puducherry-registered vehicle owners

Kalaburagi: The transport department officials have given notice to the vehicle owners who have registered their vehicles in remote Puducherry where the vehicle tax is lesser. RTO officials fined and collected taxes of close to Rs 2 crore in the district in the last one year.With road tax on four-wheelers higher in Karnataka as compared to Puducherry, many people are registering their vehicles there and running vehicles in Karnataka by avoiding Karnataka govt in tax collection. It has come to the notice of transport department officials that it is increasing day by day.Cases were filed last year against the owners of 92 such vehicles in Kalaburagi, totalling Rs 1.9 crore. Fines and taxes were collected. The tax levied on vehicles in the state ranges from 13% to 20%, while in Puducherry the same vehicles are taxed less.A vehicle is being bought in Puducherry to save more money while buying an expensive car. According to the state motor vehicle act, a vehicle registered in another state can be used in Karnataka for a maximum period of 11 to 12 months. There are some provisions for those who have come to work from other states. However, if you drive in our state for more than a year, you have to pay tax as per the state Motor Vehicle Act. Otherwise, the transport department has the authority to impound the vehicle.Speaking to TOI, Kalaburagi RTO Anand Parthanali said they will start the drive from now and will seize such vehicles if found running on Kalaburagi roads. Continuing, any vehicle from another state can run only for 11 or 12 months. After that, they have to pay fine amount along with vehicle tax amount fixed by the govt.