Sindh enforces CNIC-based number plates under Motor Vehicles Act

Sindh Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department enforced on Monday the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2024, introducing CNIC-based vehicle number plates across the province.

According to the Act, vehicle owners will now officially retain ownership of the number plates registered against their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).

The move will allow citizens to keep their registered number plate and transfer it to another vehicle they purchase in the future.

The initiative was aimed at improving transparency, streamlining vehicle registration records, and strengthening regulatory oversight in the province, an official from the Excise department told Business Recorder.

Here’s how to apply for new Ajrak design number plates online

As per the official, the Excise department has abolished the categories of commercial and private vehicles and introduced two new categories. The first category includes motorcycles and rickshaws, while the second category covers all types of four-wheel vehicles.

“No additional fee has been set for obtaining a number plate on a CNIC. The fee for the Ajrak-themed number plate will be considered as the fee for transfer of the number plate,” they said.

Amendments

In rule 2 –

After clause (i), the following new clause shall be inserted:

(j) “registration mark” means a Personalised Registration Mark (PRM) or a number plate or any other shape, type or document assigned to the owner of a vehicle, containing alphanumeric characters allotted by the registering authority;

(k) “Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)” refers to as the identifying code for all the vehicles. The Chassis number of a vehicle shall be used as VIN for all purposes.

For rule 32, the following shall be substituted:

32. Assignment and exhibition of registration marks: (1) The registering authority during the process of a registration shall allot personalised registration mark to the owner of a vehicle which shall be retained by the owner at the time of sale of the vehicle.

(2) Separate personalised registration marks shall be issued to an owner having more than one vehicle(s).

(3) An owner may retain a deactivated personalised registration mark for a period of up to one year in accordance with the instructions issued by the registration authority.

Also read: Number plates with Ajrak design: only Excise-issued plates are valid, says minister

(4) An owner will either apply his already available personalised registration mark on the vehicle or shall apply for a new/personalised registration mark, as per schedule.

(5) Any registered number plate issue against a vehicle, prior to this amendment, shall be considered as a “Personalized Registration Mark” in the name of its current owner. Chassis number of these vehicles will be taken as VIN with applicability of all provisions as mentioned in these rules.

(6) The provision of this section shall only be applicable to vehicles registered in the name of an owner.

(7) No fees will be charged on transfer of number plates.

(8) CNIC data in record will be upgraded in real time.

(9) Number plate will be retained or changed with the mutual consent of both the buyer and seller.

(10) The existing Fifth Schedule which lays down the fee structure for the transfer of ownership of motor vehicle shall mutatis mutandis apply to the provisions of the section.

Last year, Sindh cabinet approved a proposal by the Excise department to introduce a CNIC-based vehicle registration system, along with PRMs, under which the number plate will remain with the owner even after they sell the vehicle.