If they do not defect the flag, the vehicle manufacturer imposes a fine.

Drivers can face fines of up to ₹ 1 crore from April 1 for defects in vehicles voluntarily flagging the flag.

As per the mandatory rules notified by the Center, the return of more than six lakh two-wheelers, more than one lakh four-wheelers and more than three lakh three-wheelers and quadricycles will attract a penalty of norm 1 crore. To recall 6,000 two-wheelers, a manufacturer would have to pay up to 10 lakhs.

The move indicates a shift from the prevalent voluntary vehicle-recall regime.

Miss trigger

The government has determined the percentage of complaints for different vehicle categories, which will be recalled in the Central Motor Vehicles (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2021.

For two-wheelers, with annual sales of up to 3,000 units, the government will mandate 20% of vehicle owners to call back compulsorily if they report a similar problem. For those with 6,000 units in annual sales, complaints equal to 11% to 30% of total sales will be recalled.

Passenger buses and trucks account for 3% of annual sales.

FADA President Winkesh Gulati said the policy required auto companies to recall vehicles up to seven years from the date of manufacture. This will benefit consumers as it exceeds the warranty period for vehicle parts in situations where there is no voluntary recall.