Sikkim Government Announces Statewide Odd-Even Vehicle Restrictions.

Gangtok; May 2026: The Government of Sikkim has reintroduced the odd-even vehicle movement system across the state with immediate effect in a bid to regulate traffic and improvised road management. The order has been issued under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, superseding an earlier notification issued in October 2024. The new rule will remain in force until further orders.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department on May 20th, 2026, all private and government vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits (1,3,5,7,9) will be allowed to ply on odd dates, while vehicles ending in even digits (0,2,4,6,8) will be permitted on even dates. The government has warned that violation of the odd-even rule would attract penalties under Sections 177 and 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

The government has further clarified that the odd-even restriction will not apply to:

• commercial vehicles,
• goods carriers,
• taxis,
• two-wheelers, 
• electronic or battery-operated vehicles.

Private vehicles will also be exempt from the restriction on Saturdays and Sundays.

Under the new guidelines, District Collectors have been empowered to issue exemption car passes for private vehicles engaged in essential duties or special circumstances, including marriage ceremonies, funeral rites, examinations, and medical emergencies.

Vehicles belonging to emergency and essential services have also been exempted from the odd-even regulation. However, police personnel on duty will verify whether such vehicles are genuinely engaged in emergency services.

To ease transportation challenges for school students, District Collectors, in consultation with school authorities, may facilitate carpooling arrangements among parents. Carpool passes can be issued for vehicles carrying groups of schoolchildren during specific school timings.

The notification further stated that government officials travelling outside their districts on official duty must obtain prior approval from the Chief Secretary or respective Heads of Departments. A QR code-enabled vehicle pass will be generated through the official portal and can either be carried digitally or printed.

Team Maverick.