Bengaluru authorities seized a luxury Ferrari worth ₹7.5 crore over road tax evasion. The viral video of the red supercar being towed has sparked outrage, curiosity, and memes across social media.
In a rare display of traffic law enforcement, Bengaluru police recently seized a Ferrari worth ₹7.5 crore for allegedly dodging road tax payments. The moment was caught on video, showing the iconic red supercar being loaded onto a towing vehicle near Cubbon Park. As expected, the clip went viral instantly, with social media platforms flooded with reactions ranging from admiration for the action to disbelief over the incident itself.
This story isn’t just about a car—it’s about the clash between luxury, law, and digital virality in India’s tech capital.
What Happened?
On July 5th, Bengaluru traffic police conducted a special inspection near Cubbon Park, a popular urban area. During the routine check, a red Ferrari 488 was stopped, and officers discovered that the car had not paid the required lifetime road tax in Karnataka.
The Ferrari, bearing non-Karnataka registration, was reportedly being used in the city without transferring registration or paying local tax dues—violating Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
When the owner failed to provide proper documentation or pay the penalty on the spot, officials seized the vehicle and arranged for it to be towed. The towing of such an expensive car, in broad daylight, quickly drew attention from bystanders and media.
The Viral Video
It didn’t take long for videos of the scene to explode across Twitter (X), Instagram, and WhatsApp. One video in particular, showing the Ferrari being hoisted onto a flatbed tow truck, garnered millions of views within hours.
Social media users were stunned:
- “When even Ferraris aren’t safe from Bengaluru traffic cops!”
- “Imagine paying ₹7 crore for a car and not paying road tax.”
- “The Ferrari deserves better roads, though.”
Some even created memes comparing the incident to scenes from movies like Fast & Furious or Money Heist.
Why It’s a Big Deal
The incident is making headlines for multiple reasons:
1. Ferraris Are Rare in India
With a price tag north of ₹7 crore, Ferraris are a rare sight on Indian roads. Seeing one towed like an ordinary scooter is almost surreal.
2. High-Profile Law Enforcement
Bengaluru’s action sends a strong message: even the wealthy aren’t above the law. It’s part of a larger crackdown on luxury vehicles evading taxes in the city.
3. Public Reaction to Tax Evasion
In a time when the common citizen faces fines for minor offenses like not wearing a helmet or skipping tolls, seeing the super-rich face consequences resonated with the public.
What Is the Road Tax Rule?
According to Indian law, if a vehicle is used in another state for more than 12 months, the owner must re-register it in that state and pay the applicable road tax. In Karnataka, this amount can be 10-15% of the vehicle’s value, which is substantial for a luxury car like a Ferrari.
For a ₹7.5 crore Ferrari, the road tax could run into ₹75 lakh or more.
Failure to comply with these rules results in fines, seizure, and potential legal action.
What Happens Next?
The car remains in police custody while the Regional Transport Office (RTO) evaluates the tax dues and legalities. The owner will likely need to:
- Pay the full road tax amount
- Settle penalty charges
- Possibly appear before a magistrate
Until then, the Ferrari will be off the streets—and in the news.
Reactions From Car Enthusiasts and Citizens
The incident has sparked a wide range of reactions:
- Car enthusiasts are both heartbroken and fascinated.
- Common citizens are praising the move as a step toward equality before the law.
- Policy experts say this could start a wave of stricter checks on luxury vehicles across metro cities.
Final Thoughts
The Ferrari seizure in Bengaluru isn’t just a viral story—it’s a reflection of modern India, where law enforcement, digital media, and social inequality intersect in powerful ways.
In a city known for its tech-savvy population and traffic woes, the sight of a ₹7.5 crore car being towed has become symbolic: no matter how fast or flashy you are, you can’t outdrive the law.