The Karachi Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department has issued a notification implementing the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2024, which formalizes that vehicle owners will now be considered the official holders of number plates linked to their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).

According to the notification, vehicle number plates will now be directly associated with the CNIC of the owner. This ensures that the registered owner of a number plate is legally tied to their personal identity, preventing misuse or fraudulent assignment of plates.

The department spokesperson explained that under the new rules, two new number plate series linked to CNICs have been issued. Additionally, owners can now legally use a previously CNIC-registered plate on a second vehicle they purchase, streamlining registration for multiple vehicles owned by the same person.

The amendment is expected to enhance vehicle ownership tracking and curb the use of unregistered, fake, or “fancy” number plates, which have been a recurring concern across the province. Authorities have previously warned that vehicles with fake or unregistered plates would be subject to strict penalties.

This move aligns with broader efforts to digitize vehicle registration and strengthen regulatory compliance, while also making it easier for citizens to manage their vehicle documentation under a unified identity system.

The Excise Department emphasized that vehicle owners must ensure that their number plates are correctly linked to their CNICs and that any discrepancies be rectified promptly to avoid penalties. The amendment also facilitates legal transfer of number plates between vehicles owned by the same individual without requiring additional registration procedures.