Fact Check: Viral Claim That Ride-Sharing Motorcycles Require Black Number Plates Is Misleading
जेठ २०, २०८३ १२:१९
Kathmandu. Claims circulating across media outlets and social media platforms since last Saturday that ride-sharing motorcycles must compulsorily switch to black number plates are misleading. The claim stems from interpretations of the Economic Bill 2083 presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on May 29.
However, a fact-check by the TechPana Fact Check Desk found that the Economic Bill 2083 contains no provision requiring two-wheeled vehicles used for ride-sharing services to obtain black number plates. The bill only proposes bringing ride-sharing services under the tax regime through a 5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT).
The confusion appears to have arisen from linking the proposed tax provisions in the Economic Bill with provisions of the Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049. The Ministry of Finance has also clarified that no such requirement has been introduced.
Claim
On May 30, Ratopati.com published a report titled “Now Ride-Sharing Two-Wheelers Will Have Black Number Plates, Annual Tax Also Set.” The news claimed that motorcycles with red number plates would no longer be permitted to provide ride-sharing services and that two-wheelers would need to be registered as public transport vehicles with black number plates.
See the original news, archive news and screenshots. The same claim was subsequently shared on Ratopati’s Facebook page.
Investigation
A keyword search conducted by the TechPana Fact Check Desk found that several online media outlets, including Notebazar (original and archive news), Janarakshya (original and archive news), Bizness Views (original and archive news), Nepal Auto (original and archive news), Naya Sadak (original and archive news), and Khabar Dabali (original and archive news) had published reports making similar claims. These reports stated that the Economic Bill 2083 requires motorcycles and scooters used for ride-sharing to install black number plates.
The claim also spread widely on social media. Ujyaalo Online posted a Facebook status asking users for their views on a supposed arrangement requiring ride-sharing vehicles to have separate black number plates. See the post.
Similarly, Sharesanskar posted on both Facebook and Instagram claiming that motorcycles and scooters used for ride-sharing must have black number plates. The Instagram post had garnered more than 2,800 likes and 71 comments, while the Facebook version received 624 reactions, 77 comments, and 8 shares at the time of review.
GadgetByte posted that privately owned motorcycles with red number plates would not be allowed to provide ride-sharing services. See the post.
The Facebook page called Janata News has also posted with the same claim. See post 1, post 2. Similarly, Janaboli TV and ROE Network published posts stating that motorcycles used for ride-sharing would be required to have black number plates. Himali Patrika also shared a similar post, although the image used showed a government vehicle number plate (a white plate with red lettering).
To verify the matter, the TechPana Fact Check Desk reviewed the Economic Bill 2083. The review found that while the bill mentions ride-sharing services, it does so only in the context of taxation and service categorization. Below is a screenshot of the provisions in the bill that are relevant to ride-sharing.
The term "ride sharing" appears under provisions related to transportation and delivery services. However, there is no reference anywhere in the bill to number plates or a requirement to change vehicle registration categories.
The Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049, does specify that public transport vehicles must carry black number plates. However, the Act does not currently regulate ride-sharing services, nor does the Economic Bill establish any connection between ride-sharing and the public transport classification outlined in the Act.
During the fact-checking process, the TechPana Fact Check Desk contacted Amrit Lamsal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, for clarification.
Responding to questions about whether the bill requires ride-sharing motorcycles to use black number plates, Lamsal said there is no such provision. According to him, the bill merely creates a separate category for registration and regulation purposes, similar to existing transport service classifications.
He further clarified that both red and black-plated vehicles can provide ride-sharing services. However, anyone offering ride-sharing services must register under the VAT system and comply with the newly proposed 5 percent VAT requirement.
Based on the review of the bill and the ministry’s clarification, the claim that ride-sharing motorcycles must compulsorily obtain black number plates is misleading.
Claim
According to the Economic Bill 2083 introduced through the budget, motorcycles and scooters providing ride-sharing services must now compulsorily have black number plates, and vehicles with red number plates are not permitted to offer ride-sharing services.
Claimants
The claim was published and shared by online media outlets including Ratopati.com, Notebazar, Janaraksha, Business Views, Nepal Auto, Naya Sadak and Khabar Dably, as well as social media pages and accounts such as Ujyaalo Online, Sharesanskar, GadgetByte, Janata News, Janaboli TV, ROE Network and Himali Patrika.
Facts
Not mentioned in the Economic Bill: The Economic Bill 2083 contains no provision requiring ride-sharing vehicles to obtain black number plates or change their registration status.
Only tax-related provisions included: The bill proposes bringing ride-sharing services under the tax net by imposing a 5 percent VAT on such services.
No connection to the Transport Act: The Economic Bill does not link ride-sharing services to the Motor Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049, which currently does not regulate ride-sharing operations.
Ministry clarification: Ministry of Finance spokesperson Amrit Lamsal has clarified that ride-sharing vehicles are not required to have black number plates. Both red and black-plated vehicles can provide ride-sharing services, although ride-sharing operators must comply with VAT requirements.
Conclusion
The Economic Bill 2083 introduces a proposed 5 percent VAT on ride-sharing services but does not mandate black number plates for motorcycles and scooters engaged in ride-sharing. Therefore, the claim that only black-plated two-wheelers can provide ride-sharing services and that red-plated vehicles are prohibited from doing so is misleading.
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