Goa’s New Parking Rule: Vehicles Left for Over 8 Days to Be Scrapped

When buying a new car in India, one of the biggest concerns people face today is not just the price or EMI — but where to park it. In metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or even smaller cities, parking has become a serious issue due to the rising number of vehicles and limited space. We have all seen cars parked on narrow lanes, blocking traffic, and creating chaos.

While Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had earlier proposed that no new car should be registered without proof of parking, the rule is still under discussion. However, in Goa, things have moved much faster. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has now introduced a strict and practical parking rule that could actually set an example for the rest of India.

Let’s understand this new parking rule, its logic, and why such strict laws might actually help improve traffic management in India.

What Is Goa’s New Parking Rule?

In a bold move, Goa CM Pramod Sawant recently announced that any vehicle left parked in the same spot on public roads for more than 8 days will be considered abandoned and scrapped.

• If a vehicle is found stationary at the same location for over 8 days on public property, authorities will issue a notice to the registered owner.
• If the vehicle remains unmoved after receiving the notice, it will be officially declared abandoned.
• The abandoned vehicle will then be seized and scrapped by the government.
• Once scrapped, the owner will lose all rights to claim back the vehicle.

This rule aims to ensure that public roads are not converted into free parking lots, which create huge traffic bottlenecks.

Strict Action Against Roadside Garages and Illegal Rentals

The Goa government isn’t stopping at private vehicle owners. The rule is also targeting:

• Roadside garages that repair vehicles but keep them parked for days together on roads, choking public spaces.
• Illegal rental operators offering private vehicles for rent without proper permits. Over 550 illegal rental cars are being investigated, and licenses will be cancelled if violations are confirmed.

Already, authorities have seized 250 such vehicles in Panaji alone under this new rule.

Why India Needs Such Strict Parking Rules

Honestly, many Indian cities are suffering because car owners don’t take parking seriously:

• People often buy cars without considering where they will park.
• Society complexes are overflowing with vehicles parked even on internal roads.
• Footpaths and narrow streets are blocked by parked vehicles, making pedestrians walk on roads.
• Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire brigades often struggle to reach accident spots due to blocked roads.

Strict rules like Goa’s may feel harsh at first, but they are absolutely necessary in a country like India, where space is limited but car ownership is growing rapidly.

Without discipline, Indian cities will soon reach a point where driving itself becomes impossible due to haphazard parking.

Maharashtra Parking Rule: Still Under Discussion

Earlier in March 2025, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis suggested a rule that would not allow buyers to purchase a new car unless they have proof of a registered parking space. This law aims to prevent people from purchasing vehicles without considering parking space availability.

While this law has not yet been implemented, Goa’s recent action shows that such parking regulations are feasible and urgently needed across Indian states.

How This Rule Will Help:

• Smoother traffic flow on narrow roads.
• Free up footpaths for pedestrians.
• Reduce illegal parking.
• Ease movement for ambulances and emergency vehicles.
• Discourage people from hoarding multiple cars without parking space.

What Car Buyers Should Know Before Buying a New Car

Before you buy a new vehicle, always consider:

1. Do you have a proper parking space?
2. Will your society allow an additional vehicle?
3. Is street parking safe and legal in your area?
4. Will your car cause obstruction to others if parked outside?

Ignoring these questions could lead to legal trouble in the near future, especially if more states follow Goa’s example.

Should Other Indian States Follow Goa’s Rule?

Absolutely! India needs stricter parking policies. Countries like Japan already follow “proof of parking” laws, which has helped them manage urban congestion successfully. If implemented across India, such rules will:

• Control the rise of unmanageable traffic.
• Prevent misuse of public property as personal parking.
• Encourage responsible car ownership.

FAQs – Goa Parking Rule