Ahmedabad, Gujarat:
In a major relief for motorists, the Gujarat Transport Department has announced a new policy that will allow vehicle owners to retain their existing registration numbers even after selling or scrapping their old vehicles. This move is being welcomed across the state as Good news for vehicle owners in Gujarat who have long been demanding such a facility.
The New Retention Policy
According to the official statement, the state government is soon going to implement a “Retention Policy”. Under this system, if a vehicle owner decides to sell or scrap their old vehicle, they will have the option to pay a fixed fee and transfer the old registration number to their new vehicle.
This policy has been introduced to simplify the vehicle ownership process and to give owners the freedom to keep their preferred, lucky, or fancy numbers with them. For many people, registration numbers are not just numbers but symbols of identity, luck, or status.
Key Conditions of the Policy
The Gujarat Transport Department has set certain conditions to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of this facility. The main points include:
- Mandatory Purchase Within 60 Days:
After selling the old vehicle, the owner must purchase a new vehicle within 60 days in order to retain the old number. If the owner fails to do so, the number will automatically be released back into the RTO system. - Minimum One-Year Ownership Rule:
To qualify for the policy, the old vehicle must have been owned by the same person for at least one year. If the vehicle is sold within one year of ownership, the number cannot be retained. - Applicable Fees:
The facility will be available only after the payment of a fixed retention fee. Although the exact fee structure has not yet been disclosed, officials confirmed that it will be affordable and within the reach of ordinary citizens. - Non-Transferable Numbers:
The retained number will remain attached to the original owner only. It cannot be transferred or sold to another individual. This ensures fair use of the system.
Why This Policy Matters
For years, vehicle owners in Gujarat, especially those who bought fancy or “lucky” registration numbers by paying a premium, faced difficulties when changing vehicles. Many had to let go of their favorite numbers while buying a new car or bike.
Now, with the introduction of the retention policy, people can keep their special numbers without hassle. For example, businesspersons, politicians, and celebrities who prefer symbolic or repetitive numbers like 0001, 1111, or 9999 will benefit the most.
Moreover, this initiative will:
- Reduce disputes at RTO offices related to number allocation.
- Save time and paperwork for vehicle owners.
- Increase revenue for the government through retention fees.
- Promote customer satisfaction in the automobile market.
Public Reaction in Gujarat
The announcement has sparked positive reactions among the public. Car and bike enthusiasts are particularly happy as they often associate emotional and personal value with their vehicle numbers.
A Rajkot-based businessman, who had been using the same number for the past 15 years, said:
“For me, my vehicle number is part of my identity. I am glad the government finally understood our concerns. This really is good news for vehicle owners in Gujarat.”
Similarly, automobile dealers across Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara believe that the new policy will also encourage people to upgrade their vehicles more confidently, knowing they can carry their old number forward.
How It Benefits the Automobile Market
Experts suggest that this policy will also boost the automobile sector in Gujarat. Many buyers delay replacing old vehicles because they don’t want to lose their registration numbers. With the retention policy in place, customers will feel more secure while upgrading to newer models.
This will likely lead to:
- Increased demand for new cars and bikes.
- Better compliance with scrappage policies as owners can scrap vehicles without worrying about losing their cherished numbers.
- Higher transparency in number allocation processes.
A Step Towards Modern Transport Systems
The Gujarat government’s decision is being viewed as a progressive step towards modernizing the transport system in the state. Many developed countries already provide such retention options, and Gujarat’s move aligns with global practices.
Additionally, this change supports the central government’s long-term vision of digitalization and transparency in RTO services. Vehicle owners will no longer have to depend on middlemen to secure numbers; instead, they can officially retain them by following a clear procedure.
Looking Ahead
While the official notification of the policy is expected soon, transport officials have already confirmed that the system is ready to be rolled out. Once implemented, it will set a new benchmark for other states to follow.
With more than 2.5 crore registered vehicles in Gujarat, the retention policy is expected to benefit lakhs of citizens directly.
Also read: Superstition Takes Innocent Life in Gujarat: 5-Year-Old Girl Sacrificed in Ankhlav
Conclusion
The announcement is undoubtedly Good news for vehicle owners in Gujarat. By allowing people to retain their old registration numbers for new vehicles, the state government has addressed a long-pending demand of motorists.
This policy will not only bring relief to individuals but also streamline the functioning of RTOs, improve customer satisfaction, and boost the automobile industry. With this move, Gujarat has once again shown leadership in adopting people-friendly transport policies.
