Election Commission Issues 2026 Vehicle Permit Rules for Campaigns and Polling Day

The Election Commission has introduced the “Vehicle Permit Guidelines, 2026” ahead of the House of Representatives election on March 5 to regulate the use of vehicles during campaigns and on polling day. Under the new rules, political parties, candidates, or their representatives must apply to the election officer for vehicle permits in a prescribed format. For national and provincial elections, candidates can use up to two light vehicles, and in areas where vehicles cannot go, up to four horses. 

Local-level candidates have similar limits, with one or two vehicles depending on the position, and horses allowed where vehicles are impractical. Vehicles cannot be used during the 48-hour silence period before voting, and violations will lead to seizure. On polling day, only permitted vehicles can operate, with special exceptions for security personnel, officials, media, observers, and certain services. Foreign-plated vehicles are generally banned, though emergency and service vehicles, as well as diplomatic cars, are exempt. Kathmandu will have a central desk for issuing permits, while other districts will coordinate through local administration offices.