- This topic has 25 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 4 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
-
UHello everyone,
I want to share a shocking experience my friends and I had with Zoomcar in Mumbai, hoping it serves as a warning and helps us explore potential legal action against Zoomcar.
**The Incident:**
We booked a self-drive car through Zoomcar for a day to explore Mumbai. Upon collecting the vehicle, we noticed it had a white number plate (private registration), which seemed unusual because self-drive rental cars must have black number plates with yellow lettering as per Indian transport laws. However, we overlooked this detail and went ahead with our plans.
Late at night, while returning, we were stopped at a police checkpoint. After routine checks, the officer asked whether the car was privately owned or rented. When we informed him it was a Zoomcar rental, he immediately pointed out that private registration vehicles cannot be used for self-drive rentals and mentioned imposing a fine of ₹20,000.
We were completely shocked and caught off guard. We tried reaching Zoomcar’s customer support, but found no direct helpline in the app. Desperate for help, we called the vehicle owner listed in the Zoomcar app, but his response was even more alarming—he simply told us to “settle” the matter with the police and offered no assistance whatsoever.
**Zoomcar’s “Host” Program—A Legal Loophole?**
Later when we went to return the car, we noticed that all the cars in the Zoomcar parking lot had white number plates! This means Zoomcar is actively renting out private vehicles through its “Host” program, potentially violating Indian transport laws that prohibit private vehicles from being used for commercial rental purposes.
**Key Concerns:**
**1. Is Zoomcar Operating Illegally?**
Self-drive rental cars must have black number plates with yellow letters. Private vehicles (white number plates) cannot be rented out for commercial purposes. If Zoomcar is allowing privately registered vehicles on its platform, is it violating Indian transport laws?
**2. Mental Harassment & Accountability:**
We paid a significant amount for the rental, expecting legal compliance and support. Instead, we were put in a stressful and legally risky situation late at night. Zoomcar was unreachable when we needed them most, and the car owner’s response was unacceptable. Zoomcar’s “Host” model appears to be a grey area, where customers bear all the risks.
**Seeking Advice:**
* Is Zoomcar’s use of private vehicles for rentals legal?
* Can we take legal action against Zoomcar for negligence and misrepresentation?
* Has anyone else faced a similar issue? If so, what steps did you take?This experience was frustrating and distressing, and we don’t want others to go through the same ordeal. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Stay informed and stay safe!
**Legal References:**
* The Motor Vehicles Act states that only vehicles with commercial permits (black plates with yellow letters) can be used for rentals. Renting out privately registered vehicles is illegal.
* The Transport Department has warned against the use of private vehicles for rental purposes, stating that violators can face heavy penalties.
* Online discussions suggest that several users have unknowingly rented illegally operated Zoomcars, leading to legal troubles.**Is Zoomcar taking advantage of customers by operating in a legal grey area?**
-
SAre you asking for an opinion if zoomcars is running an illegal operation? If you feel so, please file a case against them
-
-
-
-
C[Crackdown on illegal ‘Rent-a-Car’ services including Zoomcar, Minister vows strict action](https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/12/14/rent-a-car-service-zoomcar-illegal-crackdown-minister-ganesh-kumar.html)
That’s worth a read.
-
-
UI would be shocked if you indeed paid the 20k because it is a fine that would be imposed on the owner of the vehicle.
-
-
-
UJust file and application before the TC bench in whose jurisdiction you were fined use help of a local counsel and explain to the judge what had actually happened! If you are still fined then file a consumer complaint against the said company. I am willing to help u free of cost, won’t appear in the court but if u need any guidance. Such companies should be buried 6 feet under.
-
UI’m based our of Hyderabad, but incident happened in Mumbai. Can’t travel to Mumbai, any guidance would be awesome!
-
-
-
U[National Consumer Helpline](https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/) is par complaint kardo with all the story and supporting documents.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
UWhen I took the zoomcar in Pune, the host said **”if cop or anyone asks to whom this car belong to just say It’s my friend’s car”**
His documents were all right, car was MG Hector.
I have been harassed by cops for keeping every doc correctly and being honest. I will do whatever it take (without drama) to get out of cop’s vision. 🫥Fortunately, I didn’t met any cop.
-
-
-
-
-
-
UIt’s probably a well designed scam. Most of the vehicles have gps and the host knows exactly where you are.
If he ties up with a local cop strategically positioned to catch you, it’s easy money.
The illegal part is true though. And zoomcar has the worst service you can imagine.
-
-
-
