Various Organizations Protest English-Letter Embossed Vehicle Number Plates

Kathmandu – Fifty-three organizations have expressed their opposition to the Nepalese government’s decision to issue embossed vehicle number plates with only English letters. At a joint meeting held on Thursday, these organizations urged the government to take notice of the issue and implement embossed number plates in the Nepali language.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the organizations requested that the government respectfully include Nepali letters on the number plates. The statement noted that the unilateral decision to remove Nepali letters from vehicle number plates contradicts the Constitution, government notices published in the gazette, and the sentiments of the Nepalese people. It emphasized that the government should immediately correct the decision and use Nepali letters with due respect. The statement also warned that the government would be fully responsible for all consequences if the decision is not amended.

No Immediate Fines for not Installing Embossed Number Plates

Kathmandu – The Department of Transport Management has clarified confusion regarding the mandatory use of embossed number plates, stating that there will be no immediate fines or penalties for now. The department explained that a false impression had spread that vehicles without embossed plates would face instant action starting from Ashoj 1, but such action will not be taken immediately.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said that the decision to install embossed number plates on government, private, and public vehicles will be implemented gradually. It stated, “There is a misconception that vehicles without embossed number plates will be penalized starting from Ashoj 1, 2082. However, no fines or penalties will be imposed immediately.”

The department has requested vehicle owners to visit their respective transport offices and voluntarily install the number plates.

It also clarified that regarding the language used on number plates, the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court has already ruled that the use of the English script is legal.