Bhubaneswar: The State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha, has issued a public advisory urging citizens to exercise extreme caution while buying or selling motor vehicles, particularly used vehicles, to avoid fraud and legal complications.
The STA has emphasized that all vehicle registrations and ownership transfers must be completed strictly through official channels, either at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or via the Transport Department’s VAHAN portal. Members of the public have been cautioned against engaging brokers, commonly referred to as dalals, or relying on unauthorised agents for any vehicle-related transactions.
According to the advisory, buying or selling vehicles through unauthorised dealers is illegal. The Transport Department has clarified that only dealers approved or authorised by the department are permitted to facilitate used vehicle transactions. Citizens have been advised to verify a dealer’s approval status before entering into any agreement.
In cases where a vehicle owner hands over a used vehicle to a dealer for resale, the STA has made it mandatory to create Deemed Ownership in the dealer’s name. This measure is intended to safeguard the original owner from legal liability in the event of accidents, offences, or other untoward incidents during the sale period. It also aids authorities during investigations in case of disputes or fraud complaints.
For buyers, the advisory stresses the importance of confirming whether a used vehicle dealer is officially approved by the Transport Department. A district-wise list of authorised dealers is available on the VAHAN portal under the respective RTO jurisdictions.
The STA has further stated that anyone who becomes a victim of vehicle-related fraud should immediately lodge a complaint with the local police station or the concerned RTO to enable prompt action.
This advisory aligns with recent public warnings issued by the State Transport Authority in early February 2026, as part of efforts to curb vehicle-related fraud and ensure transparency in motor vehicle transactions across Odisha.
