Delhi to auction impounded vehicles if not released in 30 days, new draft amendment proposed

Delhi to auction Impounded vehicles if not released in 30 days, new draft amendment proposed

In a bid to tackle the growing issue of parking space shortages, the Delhi government’s transport department has proposed new amendments to its parking management rules. Under the draft amendments, vehicles impounded by the traffic police must be released within 30 days, down from the current 90-day period. If the owner fails to retrieve their vehicle within this timeframe, it could be put up for auction.

The transport department issued a draft notification for the amendment of the Delhi Maintenance and Management of Parking (Amendment) Rules, 2024, inviting public objections and suggestions. Stakeholders have one month to provide feedback before the government proceeds with finalising the changes.

As per the existing Delhi Maintenance and Management of Parking Rules, 2019, vehicles impounded for violations must be reclaimed within 90 days. After this period, the impounding agency serves a 15-day notice before auctioning the vehicle. The proposed amendment shortens the release window to 30 days and reduces the notice period to just seven days.

For registered vehicles, if not retrieved within 30 days, a seven-day notice will be issued, after which the vehicle may be auctioned. In the case of unregistered or deregistered vehicles, the release period is set at 10 days, with the same seven-day notice and auction policy thereafter.

The amendments come as the transport department struggles with overcrowded impound lots, with 50-60 vehicles being impounded daily. Authorities hope these changes will help free up much-needed parking space. The feedback from stakeholders will be considered before the finalisation of the amendment within a month from the publication of the draft notification.