Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Probes 5,664 High-Value Vehicles Registered Outside State
Maharashtra is checking thousands of expensive vehicles sold by dealers in the state.
These vehicles were registered in other states or territories instead of Maharashtra.
Officials want to know whether some are mainly being used on Maharashtra roads.
If so, Maharashtra may have missed collecting vehicle taxes.
The vehicles include luxury cars, trucks, cranes and excavators.
Some officials think lower taxes elsewhere may have encouraged the registrations.
The department has not proved that any law was broken or that tax was deliberately avoided.
Inspectors will review documents and report possible problems.
Maharashtra is verifying 5,664 vehicles worth more than Rs 50 lakh each that were sold by state dealers in 2025-26 but registered elsewhere.
Officials suspect some vehicles may be regularly used in Maharashtra, potentially reducing the state’s motor vehicle tax revenue.
The vehicles include luxury and sports cars, cranes, trucks and excavators, with many reportedly registered in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
The department estimates the possible revenue impact at Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore, but says the figures are preliminary.
Inspectors will check registration documents, owner addresses, temporary certificates and actual vehicle use, with reports due within 15 days if irregularities are found.
- Who
- Maharashtra’s transport department, led in this inquiry by Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narwekar, and officials from concerned RTOs.
- What
- Verification of 5,664 high-value vehicles sold in Maharashtra but registered outside the state.
- When
- The vehicles were sold during 2025-26; inspectors must submit reports within 15 days if document irregularities are found.
- Where
- The vehicles were sold through dealers in Maharashtra and registered in other states or territories, including Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
- Why
- Officials are investigating possible use of the vehicles in Maharashtra and potential loss of motor vehicle tax revenue.
Department’s Tax Concern
Evidence Still Pending
Possible revenue loss
Department’s Tax Concern
Officials suspect that vehicles regularly used on Maharashtra roads may have been registered elsewhere to take advantage of lower taxes, potentially reducing Maharashtra’s revenue.
Evidence Still Pending
The department has not established that the registrations were illegal or that owners deliberately evaded tax; the estimated revenue figures remain preliminary.
Reasons for registrations
Department’s Tax Concern
Officials pointed to comparatively lower taxes in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and said value-based taxation may make registration in neighbouring Gujarat more attractive for cranes and excavators.
Evidence Still Pending
The actual reasons for each out-of-state registration will be examined through owner addresses, registration documents and vehicle-use checks before conclusions are reached.
- Vehicles under verification
- 5,664
- Vehicle value range
- Rs 50 lakh to Rs 3 crore each
- Estimated combined minimum value
- Rs 28,320 crore
- Estimated potential Maharashtra revenue
- Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore
- RTOs issuing temporary certificates
- Nine
- Inspection deadline
- 15 days if irregularities are found
- Temporary certificate reviewed
- CRTeM, or Certificate of Registration of Temporary Registration