Transport Rules & Regulations

Motor Vehicles Act 1988

The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 is the primary legislation governing road transport in India. It covers registration, licensing, permits, insurance, and penalties for violations.

Commercial Vehicle Permits

Types of Permits:

• State Permit: Valid within one state only
• National Permit: Valid across multiple states
• All India Permit: Valid throughout India
• Contract Carriage Permit: For specific contracts
• Stage Carriage Permit: For passenger buses

Permit Requirements:

• Valid vehicle registration
• Fitness certificate
• Insurance (third-party minimum)
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Road tax payment

Driver Licensing

Commercial Vehicle License Requirements:

• Light Motor Vehicle (LMV): For vehicles up to 7,500 kg
• Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV): For vehicles above 7,500 kg
• Transport Vehicle License: Required for commercial use
• Minimum Age: 18 years for LMV, 20 years for HMV transport

Documents Required:

• Valid driving license
• Medical fitness certificate
• Proof of address and identity
• Passport-size photographs

E-Way Bill System

E-Way Bill is required for movement of goods worth more than ₹50,000 within or between states.

When E-Way Bill is Required:

• Interstate movement of goods
• Intrastate movement (in most states)
• Goods value exceeds ₹50,000

E-Way Bill Validity:

• Up to 100 km: 1 day
• 100-300 km: 3 days
• 300-500 km: 5 days
• 500-1000 km: 10 days
• Above 1000 km: 15 days

Vehicle Insurance

Mandatory Insurance:

• Third-Party Insurance: Legally required
• Comprehensive Insurance: Recommended for commercial vehicles
• Goods Insurance: For cargo protection

Safety Requirements

• First aid kit mandatory
• Fire extinguisher required
• Reflective warning triangles
• Speed governor (for vehicles above 12 tons)
• GPS/AIS-140 device (for certain categories)

Penalties and Fines

• Driving without license: ₹5,000
• Overloading: ₹20,000 + ₹2,000 per extra ton
• No insurance: ₹2,000 first offense, ₹4,000 subsequent
• Overspeeding: ₹1,000-2,000
• No pollution certificate: ₹10,000

Fitness Certificate

Commercial vehicles require periodic fitness certificates:

• New vehicles: Valid for 2 years
• After 2 years: Annual renewal required
• Vehicles > 8 years: 6-month validity