Section 173: Power to affix seals to motor vehicle

173. Power to affix seals to motor vehicle (1) Where a person is found, or is reasonably suspected of, using a motor vehicle in contravention of this Act or any regulations or prohibition made under this Act, or in breach of the terms or conditions of the licence for the motor vehicle, and steps are needed to cause a discontinuance of the offence, or where a licence has been suspended under section 25A or has not been surrendered in accordance with section 29A, a road transport inspector or a police officer may— (a) take or cause to be taken or require the person in charge to take the vehicle to a place of safety; or (b) serve a written notice on the owner or person in charge of the vehicle directing him to keep the vehicle at his residence or other place of safety on an appointed date and time, where seals shall be affixed to the vehicle until released by order of the Commissioner or the Commissioner of Police, as the case may be. (2) A notice referred to under subsection (1) (b) shall be served by— (a) delivering it to the owner or person in charge of the vehicle; or (b) forwarding it by registered post addressed to the owner or person in charge of the vehicle, at his last known place of residence or business or any address furnished by him. (3) Any person who— (a) refuses or neglects to comply with a direction under subsection (1); (b) breaks the seals or removes the motor vehicle from the place of safety pending the order of the— (i) Commissioner; or (ii) Commissioner of Police, shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than 5,000 rupees nor more than 10,000 rupees. [S. 173 repealed and replaced by s. 12 of Act 46 of 2002 w.e.f. 15 May 2003; s. 23 (f) of Act 27 of 2012 w.e.f. 22 December 2012.] R27 – 133 [Issue 9] Road Traffic Act