Multi-Crore Used Car Market in Ghaziabad Thrives Without a Single Authorized Dealer
A massive, multi-crore second-hand vehicle business is operating openly across the Ghaziabad district in complete violation of national guidelines. Even though the Central Government amended the Central Motor Vehicle Rules back in December 2022 to mandate a strict licensing and registration system for pre-owned vehicle traders, the district transport administration has failed to register a single authorized dealer to date. With roughly 50 active car-trading centers and hundreds of monthly ownership transfers, the unmonitored market continues to run unchecked, posing severe risks of fraud and illegal transactions.
Hundreds of Monthly Transfers With Zero Departmental Oversight
Official data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) reveals that the department receives between 10 to 15 vehicle ownership transfer applications daily, totaling over 300 transactions every month. This figure excludes thousands of high-value deals facilitated through popular online portals and private local showrooms. Despite the sheer volume of trade, the Transport Department holds no formal records or licensing certificates issued to any business owner operating within the district, exposing a glaring loophole in local administrative enforcement.
Central Government SOPs and Strict Licensing Requirements
Under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated by the central authorities, any entity or individual dealing in second-hand vehicles must secure an official authorization certificate. Compliance requires clear business registration, a three-year established legal entity status, a substantial bank guarantee of ₹20 lakh, verified character certificates, and dedicated physical office and parking infrastructure. The framework permits only authorized entities to acquire vehicles, register them temporarily under their corporate names, and complete seamless ownership trails to prevent criminal misuse.
Heightened Risks of Stolen Vehicles and Fraudulent Documents
Operating the pre-owned vehicle market without formal registration or licensing leaves everyday buyers and sellers highly vulnerable to exploitation. Transactions involving forged papers, unresolved tax arrears, pending finance invoices, and even stolen or disputed automobiles routinely slip through the cracks. Fixing accountability in the event of an accident or criminal investigation becomes nearly impossible under the current grey-market setup, with local sources pointing fingers at systemic departmental apathy and administrative oversight.
Local Administration Maintains Silence on Violations
When local media attempted to reach out for an official comment regarding the complete absence of registered second-hand vehicle dealers in the region, ARTO Administration Ashok Kumar Srivastava was contacted via phone but offered no response or clarification. As the multi-crore trade continues unhindered in areas like Lohia Nagar and along Ambedkar Road, the lack of accountability raises serious questions about who is truly benefiting from this unchecked regulatory vacuum.
