Kohima: In a significant move to enforce traffic discipline and maintain uniformity, the Nagaland government has issued a strict directive banning unauthorised stickers, slogans, logos, signages, and identifiers on both private and government vehicles across the state.
The Transport Department issued the notification on April 30, 2026, under the signature of Commissioner & Secretary Robert Longchari. The order explicitly prohibits religious messages or symbols, names or logos of NGOs, caste references, personal slogans, flags, emblems, and any other markings not permitted under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Legal Backing
The directive draws its authority from Section 96(2)(vi) and Section 111(2)(e) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and aligns with an advisory issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). It particularly references Rules 50 and 51 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which regulate registration plates and prohibit any modifications or additions that could obscure or alter them.
This notification builds upon an earlier directive issued in March 2026 that specifically targeted stickers, flags, and emblems placed on number plates.
Deadline and Penalties
Vehicle owners have been given 45 days from the date of the notification (until mid-June 2026) to remove all prohibited items from their vehicles. Failure to comply will invite strict legal action under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Objective of the Move
The government aims to:
- Ensure uniform standards for all vehicles
- Improve road safety by reducing visual distractions
- Prevent misuse of religious, caste, or organisational identifiers that may sometimes lead to social tensions
- Maintain the sanctity of official registration markings
Similar measures have been implemented in several other Indian states, where displaying caste- or religion-specific stickers on vehicles is already punishable under traffic laws.
Motorists in Nagaland, including owners of government vehicles, are advised to inspect their vehicles immediately and remove any non-permitted stickers, slogans, or logos to avoid penalties. The full official notification is available through the Nagaland Transport Department and state government portals.
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