Maharashtra-Registered Ferrari Seized in Bengaluru Over ₹1.41 Crore Road Tax Dues
Maharashtra-Registered Ferrari Seized in Bengaluru Over ₹1.41 Crore Road Tax Dues
It’s not every day that a Ferrari gets pulled over in Bengaluru—but when it does, it turns heads for more than just its roar. A gleaming red Ferrari SF90 Stradale, often spotted gliding through the city’s upscale lanes, has now made headlines for reasons beyond its stunning looks and price tag.
The exotic supercar, registered in Maharashtra, had been seen cruising the streets of Bengaluru for over 18 months, without fulfilling Karnataka’s road tax requirements. Transport authorities had been observing the vehicle for months as part of a broader crackdown on luxury tax evasion. What started as a casual sighting turned into a high-stakes enforcement action.
The Bengaluru South Regional Transport Office (RTO) finally swooped in on Thursday morning, stopping the Ferrari near Lalbagh. The driver initially claimed that the documents were at home, but officials proceeded to verify the car’s registration and tax history. What they found raised red flags.
Though the car was legally registered in Maharashtra—where road tax for such high-end vehicles hovers around ₹20 lakh—Karnataka demands a significantly higher amount, especially for luxury vehicles of this class. Given the Ferrari’s prolonged stay in the city, the owner was liable to pay Karnataka’s road tax, which had been avoided until now.
After seizing the vehicle, authorities issued a formal notice to the owner, directing payment of the pending tax dues by the same evening. The notice also warned of legal action if ignored. Not willing to risk further trouble, the owner promptly paid ₹1,41,59,041—covering both the overdue tax and penalties. According to RTO officials, this marks one of the largest single-vehicle tax recoveries in Karnataka in recent memory.
Officials revealed that the Ferrari had been imported and registered in Maharashtra two years ago, but had become a familiar sight in Bengaluru’s luxury circuits. The SF90 Stradale, known for its hybrid powertrain and blistering speed, carries a starting price tag of ₹7.5 crore. The contrast between its high-performance specs and the owner’s tax misstep hasn’t gone unnoticed.
This incident isn’t isolated. The Karnataka transport department has been actively pursuing luxury vehicle owners trying to dodge local road tax by using out-of-state registrations. Back in February, the department seized 30 luxury cars, including brands like Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Aston Martin, and Range Rover, as part of a mass crackdown involving over 40 RTO officials.
Officials have been paying close attention to weekend drives and social gatherings of exotic car owners, where clusters of non-Karnataka-registered supercars often show up. These events have helped the authorities identify and flag potential tax evaders with relative ease.
According to motor vehicle laws, if you temporarily bring your vehicle into another state—say for a short trip or limited period—you’re not required to re-register. However, if your car stays and operates in that state for several months, you must re-register the vehicle locally and pay the applicable road tax.
Ignoring these rules isn’t just a technical violation; it can lead to vehicle seizure, hefty penalties, and in some cases, legal proceedings. The transport department has made it clear: the cost of non-compliance is far greater than the tax itself.
