Major crackdown across Kashmir on vehicles running without proper ownership papers

Srinagar, Dec 12: Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a valley-wide crackdown to curb the rising violations related to vehicles being operated without mandatory transfer of ownership and proper documentation—particularly those brought from outside the Union Territory.

The intensified enforcement drive is underway simultaneously in Budgam, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, and Awantipora with an aim to enhance road safety, ensure legal compliance, and prevent the misuse of unverified or illegally transferred vehicles.

In Budgam, police seized 11 vehicles for violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, many of which had been brought from other states without completing ownership-transfer formalities.

Officials said such lapses not only constitute traffic violations but also pose security risks, as improperly documented vehicles may be misused for smuggling, theft, or other unlawful activities. Action was also taken against cases of rash driving, triple riding, and riding without helmets.

In Kulgam, checking drives were intensified on the directions of SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Chowdhary. Multiple checkpoints inspected documentation, leading to several seizures for lack of ownership-transfer records or involvement in rash driving. Legal proceedings under the Motor Vehicles Act have been initiated.

A similar district-wide drive was carried out in Pulwama, where police identified and impounded vehicles without updated ownership papers, including those bearing outside-state registration numbers. Several vehicles were seized on the spot as part of efforts to streamline ownership records and prevent misuse.

A major action was reported in Shopian, where police took legal action against 144 vehicles with outside-state registration numbers operating without mandatory transfer of ownership. Special teams deployed across the district identified numerous vehicles in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act as part of a sustained campaign underway for weeks.

Similar enforcement measures were undertaken in Anantnag and Awantipora, where teams at several checkpoints seized vehicles without updated ownership documents or found involved in rash driving. Proceedings under the Motor Vehicles Act have been initiated.

Across all districts, J&K Police have urged vehicle owners to promptly complete transfer-of-ownership formalities, keep their documentation updated, and avoid rash or negligent driving. Authorities reiterated that non-compliance will result in seizure, penalties, and strict legal action, noting that improperly documented vehicles pose serious risks to public safety and security.