The Sindh government has announced a major change in vehicle registration rules, introducing CNIC-based number plates that remain with the owner for life.
Under the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2024, both cars and motorcycles will now have number plates linked to the owner’s CNIC, not the vehicle. Officials say this will improve transparency, simplify registration records, and strengthen oversight.
The new system eliminates old commercial and private vehicle categories. Instead, vehicles are categorized as motorcycles, rickshaws, or four-wheel vehicles. No additional fees will be charged for CNIC-linked number plates, and Ajrak-themed plate fees will be applied toward transfers.
Each vehicle owner can now receive a personalized registration mark or number plate with unique alphanumeric characters. The chassis number will act as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Personalized marks stay with the owner, even if the vehicle is sold.
If an owner has multiple vehicles, each will receive a separate personalized number plate. Inactive marks can be retained for up to one year. Owners can also reuse an existing mark or request a new one. All existing plates will be treated as Personalized Registration Marks, with chassis numbers serving as VINs.
The rules apply only to vehicles registered under the owner’s name. Transfers of number plates do not require extra fees. CNIC records will update in real time, and number plates can only be transferred or changed with mutual consent between buyer and seller. The Fifth Schedule rules on transfer fees remain applicable where relevant.
This system was approved by the Sindh cabinet last year. Officials said it ensures vehicle owners never lose their number plates, even after selling vehicles, marking a significant shift in vehicle management across the province.
The CNIC-linked number plate initiative is expected to bring greater efficiency, security, and accountability to vehicle ownership in Sindh.
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