Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police has issued fresh guidelines for Second-hand vehicle transactions and warned buyers and dealers against violations that could facilitate the circulation of stolen vehicles and fraud.
The advisory followed recent surprise inspections under Operation Kavach, during which police found several second-hand vehicle dealers conducting sales without following mandatory regulations.
Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said the guidelines draw from provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The commissioner warned that authorities would take strict action against individuals who purchase vehicles without verifying ownership details or manipulate vehicle records to mislead buyers.
Second-hand vehicle transactions require strict verification
Sajjanar advised buyers to verify vehicle details through the Vahan portal before completing any purchase.
He said buyers should check whether a vehicle has been reported stolen, blacklisted or involved in accidents. They should also verify pending traffic challans, road tax dues and toll-related liabilities.
According to the advisory, buyers must confirm finance clearance details before proceeding with any transaction. Additionally, vehicles registered in other states require a valid No Objection Certificate before transfer.
The commissioner said ownership transfer should begin only after buyers confirm through official records that the vehicle has a clear title and is free from legal or financial encumbrances.
Second-hand vehicle transactions under police watch
Sajjanar said tampering with odometer readings, engine numbers or chassis numbers constitutes a criminal offence.
He warned that dealers who misrepresent vehicle mileage could face prosecution under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The commissioner directed dealers to record odometer readings and preserve photographs of engine and chassis numbers when acquiring and selling vehicles.
He said police would immediately seize vehicles carrying tampered or missing identification numbers and treat them as suspected stolen property.
Authorities will also initiate criminal proceedings against resellers found in possession of such vehicles. Police may invoke Section 317(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to possession of stolen property.
The commissioner further stated that all second-hand vehicle dealers must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Regional Transport Office as required under Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
He warned that authorities would take legal action against those operating without the required licence.
Dealers must also maintain a detailed physical or digital register of every transaction. The records must include names, addresses, contact numbers, signatures and the date and time of each sale.
Sajjanar said these measures aim to protect registered vehicle owners from legal complications if a vehicle becomes involved in accidents, criminal activity or litigation while in a dealer’s custody.