- By Chetna Shree
- Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Nepalese government has significantly tightened its legal regulations regarding the operation of vehicles with Indian number plates. Under the updated Indian Vehicle Rules in Nepal, it will now be mandatory for all tourists and businessmen crossing the border to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.
Failure to comply may lead to strict action, ranging from heavy fines to the permanent confiscation of the vehicle.
Mandatory Custom Clearance Under Customs Duty Act
Under the Customs Duty Act, it is now mandatory for any Indian vehicle to obtain official customs clearance before crossing the border, Jagran.com reported. This means driving an Indian vehicle on Nepalese roads without a valid permit is illegal. Violation of these rules may result in heavy penalties, ranging from significant fines to the permanent confiscation of the vehicle.
Entry Fees For Indian Vehicles
Vehicle owners must pay a mandatory daily fee for entering Nepal at the customs office. This fee is categorised by vehicle type, and entry is only permitted once the payment has been processed.
The current fee structure is as follows:
- Two-Wheeler (Bike or Scooter): Rs 100 per day
- Three-Wheeler: Rs 400 per day
- Four-Wheeler (Car, Jeep or Van): Rs 600 per day
Strict Limitation On Vehicle Stay Duration
One of the most significant changes in the new regulations is the strict limit on how long a foreign vehicle can stay in the country. Even after paying the required customs duties, foreign vehicles are permitted to stay within Nepal for a maximum of 30 days per financial year.
This period of 30 days is cumulative, meaning it can be used either in a single continuous stay or across multiple visits throughout the year. However, the total duration must not exceed this 30-day limit.
Penalties For Exceeding Stay Limit
If a foreign vehicle is found operating within the Nepal border even after the expiry of the 30-day limit, an additional fine will be levied on a daily basis. The penalty will vary depending on the vehicle type:
- Bikes and Scooters: An additional fine of Rs 2000 per day.
- Other Vehicles (Cars, Jeeps, etc.): An additional fine of Rs 2500 per day.
(With Jagran.com Inputs)