Innova buyers can't register their 8-seater MPV as private cars

The government has created a new category called 'Omnibus' for 8-seater vehicles.

The Parivahan website has stopped registrations of 8-seaters as private vehicles. Reports suggest that the website is not allowing registration of such vehicles under individual names since May 22, 2023.

It means 8-seater vehicles can no longer be registered under the motor car category. Instead, the government has created a new category called 'Omnibus' for such vehicles. However, as per the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Omnibus falls under the 'Transport' category, which requires the vehicle to have a fitness certificate every year.

The latest changes in the NIC database have put some customers of the Toyota Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta and the likes in a fix, as they are not able to register their vehicles. Reports also suggest that Toyota has already taken up the matter with the government.

Would this mean that going forward 8-seater MPVs like the Innova would be reserved for fleet operators, remains to be seen.

Thanks to BHPian Smashd for sharing this information with other enthusiasts!