The state directorate of transport in Goa has suspended the trade certificate of luxury automobile dealer Bavaria Motors Pvt Ltd, located in Verna, for a period of 90 days. This action was taken after it was found that the company delivered a Mini Cooper vehicle in violation of provisions under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Background of the Case
The order was issued by the transport director, Pravimal Abhishek, following proceedings initiated after an accident involving a Mini Cooper vehicle on Dona Paula Road on April 6. Prior to this, the assistant director of transport at the Margao RTO had issued a show-cause notice to Bavaria Motors, seeking an explanation regarding the delivery of the vehicle involved in the accident.
RTO Report and Violations
Subsequently, the RTO submitted a report alleging that the dealer released the vehicle in contravention of Rules 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. These provisions broadly regulate the use of trade certificates, registration formalities, and the lawful movement and operation of unregistered vehicles on public roads.
Hearing and Admission
Based on the findings of the report, the director of transport issued a formal notice of hearing to the dealership on May 8. During the proceedings, Bavaria Motors admitted that the vehicle had been delivered to customer Andrew Dias and his family through the dealership’s sales consultant on April 5. The dealership also pleaded for leniency, arguing that it had no prior history of similar violations and requesting that mitigating circumstances and its past conduct as a law-abiding dealer be taken into account.
Directorate's Decision
However, after considering the report of the RTO, the submissions made by the dealer, and the available material on record, the directorate concluded that the vehicle was indeed released on a trade certificate and delivered in violation of the applicable rules. The suspension is expected to affect the dealership’s ability to legally operate vehicles under the trade certificate during the three-month period.
