JAIPUR: The traffic department will penalise motorists who display their

caste

, religion, profession and affiliation to political parties on their vehicles.

According to an order by traffic SP on September 3, action will be taken against vehicle owners if they

.

The order was issued after the Civil Rights Society said in a letter on August 9 that the trend of writing caste, designations and village names on vehicles was on the rise, which in turn was fanning communalism and casteism in society.

The letter stated that slogans and stickers on vehicles, especially on the windscreens, were hazardous since they could distract drivers which could result into accidents. The rights group claimed that number plates of vehicles in

even carried names and slogans.

A senior traffic police officer told TOI, “Writings on number plates were always illegal and carry a

of Rs 5,000.

Order doesn’t specify exact penalty

Jaipur: However, having names and designations on the body and windscreens of vehicles had no specified penalty. The basic aim of the move is to ensure that the windscreens are free from any such insignias which cause poor visibility and distract drivers.” However, the order does not specify the exact penalty or action which will be taken against vehicle owners for flouting this rule.

According to Section 177 of Motor Vehicles Act 1988, if there is no penalty for the offence, the maximum fine that can be imposed is Rs 100 at the first instance and subsequently it may extend to Rs 300.