Panaji: The transport directorate has issued a show-cause notice to a vehicle dealership in Taleigao after an unregistered MG Comet EV was allegedly found being driven by a customer in Quepem, in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act.A senior transport official told TOI that the vehicle was intercepted and taken to a police station, after which the matter was referred to the RTO.The official said the notice asks the dealership to submit an explanation within seven days.“Preliminary findings suggest the unregistered vehicle was being driven by a customer. The person had already bought another vehicle from the dealership but was unhappy with it and had sought a replacement or a service vehicle. The dealership allegedly handed over an unregistered MG Comet, which the customer was driving when it was intercepted,” the official said.The transport department is examining whether the dealership violated rules governing vehicles operated under a trade certificate. The official said vehicles with trade certificates are generally allowed on roads only for specific purposes, such as demonstrations, testing, or transport, and are not intended to be given to customers for independent use.“When a prospective buyer takes a test drive, a dealer representative is expected to accompany the vehicle. We are seeking the dealership’s explanation before deciding on further action,” he said.When TOI contacted the dealership, it confirmed having received the notice but declined to comment further.