Govt to make embossed number plate mandatory

Citizens can now install embossed number plates from private workshops

KATHMANDU, March 3: The government has prepared guidelines that mandate the installation of embossed number plates. The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) drafted these guidelines to enforce the compulsory installation of embossed number plates.

According to sources, the Embossed Number Plate Installation Guidelines, 2081 BS will receive approval and implementation within a few weeks.

The guidelines require the installation of embossed number plates for new vehicle registrations and ownership transfers. The government has also introduced special benefits for those who install embossed plates. The source added that vehicle owners will be able to pay vehicle taxes online after installing the embossed number plate.

In the first phase of the embossed number plate installation, the DoTM held discussions with four provinces: Gandaki, Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi.

Under the new system, if an embossed number plate is damaged on either the front or rear, only that plate needs to be replaced.

Previously, the rule required replacing both plates if one was damaged. The DoTM introduced this change to reduce additional burdens on consumers. The Transport Management Office, DoTM, Vehicle Fitness Testing Centers, and private workshops will handle the installation of embossed number plates.

The DoTM and the Vehicle Fitness Testing Center will install the embossed number plate at the transport office based on the necessary documents, including the payment receipt. After completing the required process at the transport office, vehicle owners can visit private workshops to have the plates installed, according to the source.

Previously, installation was only available at the transport office. The cost of an embossed number plate will range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,600. Motorcycles will be charged Rs 2,500, tempos Rs 2,900, cars Rs 3,200, and larger vehicles Rs 3,600.

The directive states that if a vehicle owner completes the necessary process for installing the embossed number plate but fails to install it, traffic police in Nepal will take action. Previous directives did not mention penalties for failing to install the embossed number plate, but the current directive includes this provision.

Many young Nepali people live abroad, which makes it difficult for them to install the embossed number plate on their vehicles. The previous system required vehicle owners to be present during the registration and transfer process. However, the current directive resolves this issue. Under the new guideline, Nepali citizens living abroad can designate their family members - such as siblings or parents - to complete the installation of the embossed number plate on their behalf.

If a vehicle owner sends a request stating that they are abroad and have given full authority over their vehicle to a family member, the embossed number plate can be installed without the presence of the vehicle owner. Sources say that the person residing abroad must provide their relationship details and submit the request.

Once the embossed number plate is installed, the system will collect the vehicle and owner's data in the Data Center, making it easier to track the vehicle.