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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter IV

Section 42

Special Provisions for Registration of Motor Vehicles of Diplomatic Officers

Registration of Motor Vehicles
Fine: N/ACompoundable: N/AEndorsement: No
BARE ACT PROVISION

Legal Text

The provisions of this Chapter relating to registration shall apply to motor vehicles belonging to or for the use of diplomatic officers or consular officers subject to such modifications as the Central Government may by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.

Simplified Explanation

Section 42 carves out a special registration framework for vehicles of diplomatic officers and consular staff, recognising India's obligations under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and Consular Relations (1963). Diplomatic vehicles in India bear CD (Corps Diplomatique) plates — white plates with blue text, distinct from civilian number plates. The Central Government notifies the specific modifications to the standard registration process that apply to these vehicles. Diplomatic vehicles typically enjoy exemption from road tax and are subject to modified enforcement provisions reflecting diplomatic immunity.

Historical Context

Diplomatic vehicle exemptions reflect India's international law obligations and are standard practice globally under the Vienna Conventions.

Critical Changes

CD plate format standardised nationally.

Diplomatic vehicle database maintained by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs).

Practical Scenarios

"A US Embassy vehicle bearing CD plates in Delhi — registered under Section 42 special provisions."

Common Queries

Diplomatic immunity generally protects diplomatic officers from traffic enforcement actions. However, India can declare a diplomat persona non grata for serious and repeated violations, and the receiving state's obligations under the Vienna Convention do not include impunity for criminal conduct causing serious harm.