Kolkata's vehicle owners must settle taxes to obtain pollution certificates starting November 1

• Kolkata's Transport Department introduces strict regulations to prevent pollution certificates issuance for vehicles with outstanding taxes
• These measures will be enforced from November 1, targeting tax compliance and pollution control
• New guidelines include mandatory testing at authorized smoke testing stations with video documentation, ensuring tax payments before pollution testing

Starting November 1, the Kolkata Transport Department is implementing new regulations aimed at ensuring vehicle tax compliance and adherence to pollution standards. Under these rules, private vehicle owners with outstanding taxes will be unable to obtain a pollution certificate. The measures are introduced to streamline tax collection processes and address longstanding issues related to taxes and emissions compliance.

As part of these guidelines, the Transport Department is also directing changes to smoke testing stations. New software will be installed to monitor and document the pollution testing process. Unlike in the past, where pollution certificates were occasionally obtained improperly, the new system mandates that vehicles must be tested at authorized stations.

During testing, the entire process must be video-recorded, with photographic evidence uploaded to the 'Vehicle' software. Pollution certificates will only be issued once all necessary requirements are met. Moreover, before measuring a vehicle's pollution level, the owner must settle any outstanding taxes. This step seeks to ensure that vehicle owners fulfill their financial obligations while maintaining compliance with environmental standards.

The cost of vehicle smoke testing typically ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 200. These measures are designed to discourage vehicle owners from avoiding tax payments and other penalties, ensuring that pollution tests are conducted in accordance with regulations. This comprehensive approach aims to address tax evasion and the issuance of fake certificates while creating a more equitable solution for both vehicle owners and the government.