LexThe MOTOR VEHICLES ACT, 1988
Jharkhand · state statute
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THE MOTOR VEHICLES ACT, 1988
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ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
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CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
SECTIONS
1. Short title, extent and commencement.
2. Definitions.
2A. e-cart and e-rickshaw.
CHAPTER II
LICENSING OF DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES
3. Necessity for driving licence.
4. Age limit in connection with driving of motor vehicles.
5. Responsibility of owners of motor vehicles for contravention of sections 3 and 4.
6. Restrictions on the holding of driving licences.
7. Restrictions on the granting of learner’s licences for certain vehicles.
8. Grant of learner’s licence.
9. Grant of driving licence.
10. Form and contents of licences to drive.
11. Additions to driving licence.
12. Licensing and regulation of schools or establishments for imparting instruction in driving of
motor vehicles.
13. Extent of effectiveness of licences, to drive motor vehicles.
14. Currency of licences to drive motor vehicles.
15. Renewal of driving licences.
16. Revocation of driving licence on grounds of disease or disability.
17. Orders refusing or revoking driving licences and appeals therefrom.
18. Driving Licences to drive motor vehicles, belonging to the Central Government.
19. Power of licensing authority to disqualify from holding a driving licence or revoke such licence.
20. Power of Court to disqualify.
21. Suspension of driving licence in certain cases.
22. Suspension or cancellation of driving licence on conviction.
23. Effect of disqualification order.
24. Endorsement.
25. Transfer of endorsement and issue of driving licence free from endorsement.
26. Maintenance of State Registers of Driving Licences.
27. Power of Central Government to make rules.
28. Power of State Government to make rules.
CHAPTER III
LICENSING OF CONDUCTORS OF STAGE CARRIAGES
29. Necessity for conductor’s licence.
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SECTIONS
30. Grant of conductor’s licence.
31. Disqualifications for the grant of conductor’s licence.
32. Revocation of a conductor’s licence on grounds of disease or disability.
33. Orders refusing, etc, conductor’s licences and appeals therefrom.
34. Power of licensing authority to disqualify.
35. Power of Court to disqualify.
36. Certain provisions of Chapter II to apply to conductor’s licence.
37. Savings.
38. Power of State Government to make rules.
CHAPTER IV
REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
39. Necessity for registration.
40. Registration, where to be made.
41. Registration, how to be made.
42. Special provision for registration of motor vehicles of diplomatic officers, etc.
43. Temporary registration.
44. Production of vehicle at the time of registration.
45. Refusal of registration or renewal of the certificate of registration.
46. Effectiveness in India of registration.
47. Assignment of new registration mark on removal to another State.
48. No objection certificate.
49. Change of residence or place of business.
50. Transfer of ownership.
51. Special provisions regarding motor vehicle subject to hire-purchase agreement, etc.
52. Alteration in motor vehicle.
53. Suspension of registration.
54. Cancellation of registration suspended under section 53.
55. Cancellation of registration.
56. Certificate of fitness of transport vehicles.
57. Appeals.
58. Special provisions in regard to transport vehicles.
59. Power to fix the age limit of motor vehicle.
60. Registration of vehicles belonging to the Central Government.
61. Application of Chapter to trailers.
62. Information regarding stolen and recovered motor vehicles to be furnished by the police to the
State Transport Authority.
63. Maintenance of State Registers of Motor Vehicles.
64. Power of Central Government to make rules.
65. Power of State Government to make rules.
CHAPTER V
CONTROL OF TRANSPORT VEHICLES
66. Necessity for permits.
67. Power to State Government to control road transport.
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SECTIONS
68. Transport Authorities.
69. General provision as to applications for permits.
70. Application for stage carriage permit.
71. Procedure of Regional Transport Authority in considering application for stage carriage permit.
72. Grant of stage carriage permits.
73. Application for contract carriage permit.
74. Grant of contract carriage permit.
75. Scheme for renting of motor cabs.
76. Application for private service vehicle permit.
77. Application for goods carriage permit.
78. Consideration of application for goods carriage permit.
79. Grant of goods carriage permit.
80. Procedure in applying for and granting permits.
81. Duration and renewal of permits.
82. Transfer of permit.
83. Replacement of vehicles.
84. General conditions attaching to all permits.
85. General form of permits.
86. Cancellation and suspension of permits.
87. Temporary permits.
88. Validation of permits for use outside region in which granted.
89. Appeals.
90. Revision.
91. Restriction of hours of work of drivers.
92. Voidance of contracts restrictive of liability.
93. Agent or canvasser to obtain licence.
94. Bar on jurisdiction of Civil Courts.
95. Power of State Government to make rules as to stage carriages and contract carriages.
96. Power of State Government to make rules for the purposes of this Chapter.
CHAPTER VI
SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO STATE TRANSPORT UNDERTAKINGS
97. Definition.
98. Chapter to override Chapter V and other laws.
99. Preparation and publication of proposal regarding road transport service of a State transport
undertaking.
100. Objection to the proposal.
101. Operation of additional services by a State transport undertaking in certain circumstances.
102. Cancellation or modification of scheme.
103. Issue of permits to State transport undertakings.
104. Restriction on grant of permits in respect of a notified area or notified route.
105. Principles and method of determining compensation and payment thereof.
106. Disposal of article found in vehicles.
107. Power of State Government to make rules.
108. Certain powers of State Government exercisable by the Central Government.
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CHAPTER VII
CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES
SECTIONS
109. General provision regarding construction and maintenance of vehicles.
110. Power of Central Government to make rules.
111. Power of State Government to make rules.
CHAPTER VIII
CONTROL OF TRAFFIC
112. Limits of speed.
113. Limits of weight and limitations on use.
114. Power to have vehicle weighed.
115. Power to restrict the use of vehicles.
116. Power to erect traffic signs.
117. Parking places and halting stations.
118. Driving regulations.
119. Duty to obey traffic signs.
120. Vehicles with left hand control.
121. Signals and signalling devices.
122. Leaving vehicle in dangerous position.
123. Riding on running board, etc.
124. Prohibition against travelling without pass or ticket.
125. Obstruction of driver.
126. Stationary vehicles.
127. Removal of motor vehicles abandoned or left unattended on a public place.
128. Safety measures for drivers and pillion riders.
129. Wearing of protective headgear.
130. Duty to produce licence and certificate of registration.
131. Duty of the driver to take certain precautions at unguarded railway level crossing.
132. Duty of driver to stop in certain cases.
133. Duty of owner of motor vehicle to give information.
134. Duty of driver in case of accident and injury to a person.
135. Schemes to be framed for the investigation of accident cases and wayside amenities, etc.
136. Inspection of vehicle involved in accident.
137. Power of Central Government to make rules.
138. Power of State Government to make rules.
CHAPTER IX
MOTOR VEHICLES TEMPORARILY LEAVING OR VISITING INDIA
139. Power of Central Government to make rules.
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CHAPTER X
LIABILITY WITHOUT FAULT IN CERTAIN CASES
SECTIONS
140. Liability to pay compensation in certain cases on the principle of no fault.
141. Provisions as to other right to claim compensation for death or permanent disablement.
142. Permanent disablement.
143. Applicability of Chapter to certain claims under Act 8 of 1923.
144. Overriding effect.
CHAPTER XI
INSURANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES AGAINST THIRD PARTY RISKS
145. Definitions.
146. Necessity for insurance against third party risk.
147. Requirements of policies and limits of liability.
148. Validity of policies of insurance issued in reciprocating countries.
149. Duty of insurers to satisfy judgments and awards against persons insured in respect of third party
risks.
150. Rights of third parties against insurers on insolvency of the insured.
151. Duty to give information as to insurance.
152. Settlement between insurers and insured persons.
153. Saving in respect of sections 150, 151 and 152.
154. Insolvency of insured persons not to affect liability of insured or claims by third parties.
155. Effect of death on certain causes of action.
156. Effect of certificate of insurance.
157. Transfer of certificate of insurance.
158. Production of certain certificates, licence and permit in certain cases.
159. Production of certificate of Insurance on application for authority to use vehicle.
160. Duty to furnish particulars of vehicle involved in accident.
161. Special provisions as to compensation in case of hit and run motor accident.
162. Refund in certain cases of compensation paid under section 161.
163. Scheme for payment of compensation in case of hit and run motor accidents.
163A. Special provisions as to payment of compensation on structured formula basis.
163B. Option to file claim in certain cases.
164. Power of Central Government to make rules.
CHAPTER XII
CLAIMS TRIBUNALS
165. Claims Tribunals.
166. Application for compensation.
167. Option regarding claims for compensation in certain cases.
168. Award of the Claims Tribunal.
169. Procedure and powers of Claims Tribunals.
170. Impleading insurer in certain cases.
171. Award of interest where any claim is allowed.
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SECTIONS
172. Award of compensatory costs in certain cases.
173. Appeals.
174. Recovery of money from insurer as arrear of land revenue.
175. Bar on jurisdiction of Civil Courts.
176. Power of State Government to make rules.
CHAPTER XIII
OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND PROCEDURE
177. General provision for punishment of offences.
178. Penalty for travelling without pass or ticket and for dereliction of duty on the part of conductor
and refusal to ply contract carriage, etc.
179. Disobedience of orders, obstruction and refusal of information.
180. Allowing unauthorised persons to drive vehicles.
181. Driving vehicles in contravention of section 3 or section 4.
182. Offences relating to licences.
182A. Punishment for offences relating to construction and maintenance of vehicles.
183. Driving at excessive speed, etc.
184. Driving dangerously.
185. Driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs.
186. Driving when mentally or phycically unfit to drive.
187. Punishment for offences relating to accident.
188. Punishment for abetment of certain offences.
189. Racing and trails of speed.
190. Using vehicle in unsafe condition.
191. Sale of vehicle in or alteration of vehicle to condition contravening this Act.
192. Using vehicle without registration.
192A. Using vehicle without permit.
193. Punishment of agents and canvassers without proper authority.
194. Driving vehicle exceeding permissible weight.
195. Imposition of minimum fine under certain circumstances.
196. Driving uninsured vehicle.
197. Taking vehicle without authority.
198. Unauthorised interference with vehicle.
199. Offences by companies.
200. Composition of certain offences.
201. Penalty for causing obstruction to free flow of traffic.
202. Power to arrest without warrant.
203. Breath tests.
204. Laboratory test.
205. Presumption of unfitness to drive.
206. Power of police officer to impound document.
207. Power to detain vehicles used without certificate of registration permit, etc.
208. Summary disposal of cases.
209. Restriction on conviction.
210. Courts to send intimation about conviction.
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CHAPTER XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTIONS
211. Power to levy fee.
212. Publication, commencement and laying of rules and notifications.
213. Appointment of motor vehicles officers.
214. Effect of appeal and revision on orders passed by original authority.
215. Road Safety Councils and Committees.
216. Power to remove difficulties.
217. Repeal and savings.
217A. Renewal of permits, driving licences and registration granted under the Motor Vehicles Act,
1939.
THE FIRST SCHEDULE.
THE SECOND SCHEDULE.
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THE MOTOR VEHICLES ACT, 1988
ACT NO. 59 OF 1988
[14th October, 1988.]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to motor vehicles.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Thirty-ninth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement .—(1) This Act may be calle d the Motor Vehicles Act,
1988.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall come into fo rce on such date 1as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint; and different dates may be appointed for different State and any reference in
this Act to the commencement of this Act shall, in relation to a State, be construed as a reference to the
coming into force of this Act in that State.
2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(1) “area”, in relation to any provision of this Act, means such area as the State Government may,
having regard to the requirements of that provision, specify by notification in the Official Gazette;
(2) “articulated vehicle” means a motor vehicle to which a semitrailer is attached;
(3) “axle weight” means in relation to an axle of a vehicle the total weight transmitted by the
several wheels attached to that axle to the surface on which the vehicle rests;
(4) “certificate of registration” means the certificate issued by a compe tent authority to the effect
that a motor vehicle has been duly registered in accordance with the provisions of Chapter IV;
(5) “conductor”, in relation to a stage carriage, means a person engaged in collecting fares from
passengers, regulating their entra nce into, or exit from, the stage carriage and performing such other
functions as may be prescribed;
(6) “conductor’s licence” means the licence issued by a competent authority under Chapter III
authorising the person specified therein to act as a conductor;
(7) “contract carriage ” means a motor vehicle which carries a passenger or passenger or
passengers for hire or reward and is engaged under a contract, whether expressed or implied, for the
use of such vehicle as a whole for the carriage of passengers mentioned therein and entered into by a
person with a holder of a permit in relation to such vehicle or any person authorised by him in this
behalf on a fixed or an agreed rate or sum—
(a) on a time basis, whether or not with reference to any route or distance; or
(b) from one point to another,
and in either case, without stopping to pick up or set down passengers not included in the contract
anywhere during the journey, and includes—
(i) a maxicab; and
(ii) a motor cab notwithstanding that separate fares are charged for its passengers;
(8) “dealer” includes a person who is engaged—
2* * * * *
(b) in building bodies for attachment to chassis; or
1.1st July, 1989, vide notification No. S.O. 368(E), dated 22nd May, 1989, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii).
2.Sub-clause (a) omitted by Act 54 of 1994, s. 2 (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
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(c) in the repair of motor vehicles; or
(d) in the business of hypothecation, leasing or hire-purchase of motor vehicle;
(9) “driver” includes, in relation to a motor vehicle which is drawn by another motor vehicle, the
person who acts as a steersman of the drawn vehicle;
(10) “driving licence” means the licence issued by a competent authority under Chapter II authorising
the person specified therein to drive, otherwise than as a learner, a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle of
any specified class or description;
(11) “educational institution bus ” means an omnibus, which is owned by a college, school or other
educational institution and used solely for the purpose of transporting students or staff of the educational
institution in connection with any of its activities;
(12) “fares” includes sums payable for a season ticket or in respect of the hire of a contract carriage;
(13) “goods” includes live -stock, and anything (other than equipment ordinarily used with the
vehicle) carried by a vehicle except living persons, but does not include luggage or p ersonal effects
carried in a motor car or in a trailer attached to a motor car or the personal luggage of passen gers
travelling in the vehicle;
(14) “goods carriage” means any motor vehicle constructed or adapted for use solely for the carriage
of goods, or any motor vehicle not so constructed or adapted when used for the carriage of goods;
(15) “gross vehicle weight” means in respect of any vehicle the total weight of the vehicle and load
certified and registered by the registering authority as permissible for that vehicle;
(16) “heavy goods vehicle” means any goods carriage the gross vehicle weight of which, or a tractor
or a road-roller the unladen weight of either of which, exceeds 12,000 kilograms;
(17) “heavy passenger motor vehicle ” means any public s ervice vehicle or private service vehicle or
educational institution bus or omnibus the gross vehicle weight of any of which, or a motor car the
unladen weight of which, exceeds 12,000 kilograms;
(18) “invalid carriage” means a motor vehicle specially designed and constructed, and not merely,
adapted, for the use of a person suffering from some physical defect or disability, and used solely by or
for such a person;
(19) “learner’s licence ” means the licence issued by a c ompetent authority under Chapter II
authorising the person specified therein to drive as a learner, a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle of any
specified class or description;
(20) “licensing authority” means an authority empowered to issue licences under Chapter II or, as the
case may be, Chapter III;
(21) “light motor vehicle” means a transport vehicle or omnibus the gross vehicle weight of either of
which or a motor car or tractor or road-roller the unladen weight of any of which, does not exceed 1[7500]
kilograms;
2[(21A) “manufacturer” means a person who is engaged in the manufacture of motor vehicles;]
(22) “maxicab” means any motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than six passengers,
but not more than twelve passengers, excluding the driver, for hire or reward;
(23) “medium goods vehicle” means any goods carriage other than a light motor ve hicle or a heavy
goods vehicle;
(24) “medium passenger motor vehicle ” means any public service vehicle or private service vehicle,
or educational in stitution bus other than a motor cycle, invalid carriage, light motor vehicle or heavy
passenger motor vehicle;
1. Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, s. 2, for “6000” (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
2. Ins. by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
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(25) “motorcab” means any motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry not more than six
passengers excluding the driver for hire or reward;
(26) “motor car ” means any motor vehicle other than a transport vehicle, omnibus, road -roller,
tractor, motor cycle or invalid carriage;
(27) “motor cycle” means a two-wheeled motor vehicle, inclusive of any detachable side -car having
an extra wheel, attached to the motor vehicle;
(28) “motor vehicle” or “vehicle” means any mechanically propelled vehicle adapted for use upon
roads whether the power of propulsion is transmitted thereto from an external or internal source and
includes a chassis to which a body has not been attached and a trailer; but does not include a vehicle
running upon fixed rails or a vehicle of a special type adapted for use only in a factory or in any other
enclosed premises or a vehicle having less than four wheels fitted with engine ca pacity of not
exceeding1[twenty-five cubic centimetres];
(29) “omnibus” means any motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than six persons
excluding the driver;
(30) “owner” means a person in whose name a motor vehicle stands registered, and where such
person is a minor, the guardian of such minor, and in relation to a motor vehicle which is the subject of a
hire-purchase, agreement, or an agreement of lease or an agreement o f hypothecation, the person in
possession of the vehicle under that agreement;
(31) “permit” means a permit issued by a State or Regional Transport Authority or an authority
prescribed in this behalf under this Act authorising the use of a motor vehicle as a transport vehicle;
(32) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(33) “private service vehicle ” means a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than six
persons excluding the driver and ordinarily used by or on behalf of th e owner of such vehicle for the
purpose of carrying persons for, or in connection with, his trade or business otherwise than for hire or
reward but does not include a motor vehicle used for public purposes;
(34) “public place” means a road, street, way or other place, whether a thoroughfare or not, to which
the public have a right of access, and includes any place or stand at which passengers are picked up o r set
down by a stage carriage;
(35) “public service vehicle” means any motor vehicle used or adapted to be used for the carriage of
passengers for hire or reward, and includes a maxicab, a motorcab, contract carriage, and stage carriage;
(36) “registered axle weight” means in respect of the axle of any vehicle, the axle weight certified and
registered by the registering authority as permissible for that axle;
(37) “registering authority” means an authority empowered to register m otor vehicles under Chapter
IV;
(38) “route” means a line of travel which specifies the highway which may be traversed by a motor
vehicle between one terminus and another;
2[(39) “semi-trailer” means a vehicle not mechanically pro pelled (other than a trailer), which is
intended to be connected to a motor vehicle and which is so constructed that a portion of it issuper -
imposed on, and a part of whose weight is borne by, thatmotor vehicle;]
(40) “stage carriage” means a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than six passengers
excluding the driver for hire or reward at separate fares paid by or for individual passengers, either for the
whole journey or for stages of the journey;
(41) “State Government” in relation to a Union territory means the Administrator thereof appointed
under article 239 of the Constitution;
1. Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, s. 2, for “thirty-five cubic centimetres” (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
2. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for clause (39) (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
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(42) “State transport undertaking ” means any undertaking providing road transport service, where
such undertaking is carried on by,—
(i) the Central Government or a State Government;
(ii) any Road Transport Corporation estab lished under section 3 of the Road Transport
Corporations Act, 1950 (64 of 1950);
(iii) any municipality or any corporation or company owned or controlled by the Central
Government or one or more State Governments, or by the Central Government and one or more State
Governments;
1[(iv) Zilla Parishad or any other similar local authority.]
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, “road transport service” means a service of motor
vehicles carrying passengers or goods or both by road for hire or reward;
(43) “tourist vehicle” means a contract carriage constructed or adapted and equipped and maintained
in accordance with such specifications as may be prescribed in this behalf;
(44) “tractor” means a motor vehicle which is not itself constructed to c arry any load (other than
equipment used for the purpose of propulsion); but excludes a road-roller;
(45) “traffic signs” includes all signals, warning sign posts, direction posts, markings on the road or
other devices for the information, guidance or direction of drivers of motor vehicles;
(46) “trailer” means any vehicle, other than a semi -trailer and a side -car, drawn or intended to be
drawn by a motor vehicle;
(47) “transport vehicle” means a public service vehicle, a goods carriage, an educational inst itution
bus or a private service vehicle;
(48) “unladen weight” means the weight of a vehicle or trailer including all equipment ordinarily used
with the vehicle or trailer when working, but excluding the weight of a driver or attendant; and where
alternative parts or bodies are used the unladen weight of the vehicle means the weight of the vehicle with
the heaviest such alternative part or body;
(49) “weight” means the total weight transmitted for the time being by the wheels of a vehicle to the
surface on which the vehicle rests.
2[2A. e-cart and e -rickshaw.—(1) Save as otherwise provided in the proviso to sub -section (1) of
section 7 and sub-section (10) of section 9, the provisions of this Act shall apply to e-cart and e-rickshaw.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “e-cart or e -rickshaw” means a special purpose battery powered
vehicle of power not exceeding 4000 watts, having three wheels for carrying goods or passengers, as the
case may be, for hire or reward, manufactured, constructed or adapted, equ ipped and maintained in
accordance with such specifications, as may be prescribed in this behalf.]
CHAPTER II
LICENSING OF DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES
3. Necessity for driving licence .—(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place
unless he holds an effective driving licence issued to him authorising him to drive the vehicle; and no
person shall so drive a transport vehicle [other than 3[a motor cab or motor cycle] hired for his own use or
rented under any scheme made under sub-section (2) of section 75] unless his driving licence spec ifically
entitles him so to do.
(2) The conditions subject to which sub -section (1) shall not apply to a person receiving instructions
in driving a motor vehicle shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
1. Ins. by Act 54 of 1988, s. 2 (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
2. Ins. by Act 3 of 2015, s. 2 (w.e.f. 7-1-2015).
3. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for “a motor cab” (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
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4. Age limit in connection with driving of motor vehicles .—(1) No person under the age of
eighteen years shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place:
Provided that 1[a motor cycle with engine capacity not exceeding 50cc] out gear may be driven in a
public place by a person after attaining the age of sixteen years.
(2) Subject to the provisions of section 18, no person under the age of twenty years shall drive a
transport vehicle in any public place.
(3) No learner’s licence or driving licence shall be issued to any person to drive a vehicle of the class
to which he has made an application unless he is eligible to drive that class of vehicle under this section.
5. Responsibility of owners of motor vehicles for con travention of sections 3 and 4 .—No owner
or person in charge of a motor vehicle shall cause or permit any person who does not satisfy the
provisions of section 3 or section 4 to drive the vehicle.
6. Restrictions on the holding of driving licences.—(1) No person shall, while he holds any driving
licence for the time being in force, hold any other driving licence except a learner ’s licence or a driving
licence issued in accordance with the provisions of secti on 18 or a document authorising, in accordance
with the rules made under section 139, the person specified therein to drive a motor vehicle.
(2) No holder of a driving licence or a learner’s licence shall permit it to be used by any other person.
(3) Nothing in this section shall prevent a licensing authority having the jurisdiction referred to in
sub-section (1) of section 9 from adding to the classes of vehicles which the driving licence authorises the
holder to drive.
7. Restrictions on the granting of learner’s licences for certain vehicles .—2[(1) No person shall
be granted a learner's licence to drive a transport vehicle unless he has held a driving licence to
drive a light motor vehicle for at least one year: ]
3[Provided that nothing contained in this sub -section shall apply to an e -cart or e -rickshaw.]
(2) No person under the age of eighteen years shall be granted a learner ’s licence to drive a motor
cycle without gear except with the consent in writing of the person having the care of the person desiring
the learner’s licence.
8. Grant of learner ’s licence.—(1) Any person who is not disqualified under section 4 for driving a
motor vehicle and who is not for the time being disqualified for holding or obtaining a driving licence
may, subject to the provisions of section 7, apply to the licensing authority having jurisdiction in the
area—
(i) in which he ordinarily resides or carries on business, or
(ii) in which the school or establishment referred to in section 12 from where he intends to
receive instruction in driving a motor vehicle is situate,
for the issue to him of a learner’s licence.
(2) Every application under sub -section (1) shall be in such form and shall be accompanied by such
documents and with such fee as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(3) Every application under sub -section ( 1) shall be accompanied by a medical certificate in such
form as may be prescribed by the Central Government and signed by such registered medical practitioner,
as the State Government or any person authorised in this behalf by the State Government may, by
notification in the Official Gazette, appoint for this purpose:
4[Provided that no such medical certificate is required for licence to drive a vehicle other than a
transport vehicle.]
1. Subs. by Act 54 of 1988, s. 4, for “a motor cycle without gear” (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
2. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
3. Ins. by Act 3 of 2015, s. 3 (w.e.f. 7-1-2015).
4. Ins. by Act 54 of 1988, s. 6 (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
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(4) If, from the application or from the medical certificate referred to in sub-section (3), it appears that
the applicant is suffering from any disease or disability which is likely to cause the driving by him of a
motor vehicle of the class which he would be authorised by the learner’s licence applied for to drive to be
a source of danger to the public or to the passengers, the licensing authority shall refuse to issue the
learner’s licence:
Provided that a learner’s licence limited to driving an invalid carriage may be issued to the a pplicant,
if the licensing authority is satisfied that he is fit to drive such a carriage.
(5) No learner ’s licence shall be issued to any applicant unless he passes to the satisfaction of the
licensing authority such test as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(6) When an application has been duly made to the appropriate licensing authority and the applicant
has satisfied such authority of his physical fitness under sub -section (3) and has passed to the satisfaction
of the licensing authority the test referred to in sub-section (5), the licensing authority shall, subject to the
provisions of section 7, issue the applicant a learner ’s licence unless the applicant is disqualified under
section 4 for driving a motor vehicle or is for the time being di squalified for holding or obtaining a
licence to drive a motor vehicle:
Provided that a licensing authority may issue a learner ’s licence to drive a motor cycle or a light
motor vehicle notwithstanding that it is not the appropriate licensing authority, if such authority is
satisfied that there is good reason for the applicant ’s inability to apply to the appropriate licensing
authority.
(7) Where the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, it may, by
rules made in this behalf, exempt generally, either absolutely or subject to such conditions as may be
specified in the rules, any class of persons from the provisions of sub -section (3), or sub -section (5), or
both.
(8) Any learner’s licence for driving a motor cycle in force immediately before the commencement of
this Act shall, after such commencement, be deemed to be effective for driving a mo tor cycle with or
without gear.
9. Grant of driving licence—(1) Any person who is not for the time being disqualified for holding or
obtaining a driving licence may apply to the licensing authority having jurisdiction in the area—
(i) in which he ordinarily resides or carries on business, or
(ii) in which the school or establishment referred to in section 12 from where he is receiving or
has received instruction in driving a motor vehicle is situated,
for the issue to him of a driving licence.
(2) Every application under sub -section (1) shall be in such form and shall be accompanied by such
fee and such documents as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
1[(3) If the applicant passes such test as may be prescribed by the Central Government, he shall be
issued the driving licence:
Provided that no such test shall be necessary where the applicant produces proof to show that—
(a) (i) the applicant has previously held a driving licence to drive such class of vehicle and that the
period between thedata of expiry of that licence and the date of the application does not exceed five
years, or
(ii) the applicant holds or has previously held a driving licence to drive such class of vehicle
issued under section 18, or
(iii) the applicant holds a driving licence to drive such class of vehicle issued by a competent
authority of any country outside India, subject to the condition that the applicant com plies with the
provisions of sub-section (3) of section 8,
1. Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, s. 7, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
14
(b)the applicant is not suffering from any disabilitywhich is likely to cause the driving by him to
be a source ofdanger to the public; and the licensing authority may, for that purpose, require the
applicant to produce a medical certificate in the same form and in the same manner as is referred to in
sub-section (3) of section 8:
Provided further that where the app lication is for a driv ing licence to drive a motor vehicle
(not being a transport vehicle), the licensing authority may exempt the applicant from the test of
competence to drive a vehicle prescribed un der this sub-section, if the applicant possesses a driving
certificate issued by any insti tution recognised in this behalf bythe State Government.]
(4) Where the application is for a licence to drive a transport vehicle, no such authorisation shall be
granted to any applicant unless he possesses such mini mum educational qualification as may be
prescribed by the Central Government and a driving certificate issued by a school or establish ment
referred to in section 12.
1[(5) Where the applicant does not pass the test; he may be permitted to re -appear for the test
after a period of seven days:
Provided that where the applicant does not pass the test even after three appearances, he shall
not be qualified to re -appear for such test before the expiry of a period of sixty days from the date
of last such test.]
(6) The test of competence to drive shall be carried out in a vehicle of the type t o which the
application refers:
Provided that a person who passed a test in driving a motor cycle with gear shall be deemed also to
have passed a test in driving a motor cycle without gear.
(7) When any application has been duly made to the appropriate licensing authority and the applicant
has satisfied such authority of his competence to drive, the licensing authority shall issue the applicant a
driving licence unless the a pplicant is for the time being disqualified for holding or obtaining a driving
licence:
Provided that a licensing authority may issue a driving licence to drive a motor cycle or a light motor
vehicle notwithstanding that it is not the appropriate licensing authority, if the licensing authority is
satisfied that there is good and sufficient reason for the applicant ’s inability to apply to the a ppropriate
licensing authority:
Provided further that the licensing authority shall not issue a new driving licence to the applicant, if
he had previously held a driving licence, unless it is satisfied that there is good and sufficient reason for
his inability to obtain a duplicate copy of his former licence.
(8) If the licensing authority is satisfied, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard, that
he—
(a) is a habitual criminal or a habitual drunkard; or
(b) is a habitual addict to any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance within the meaning of the
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (61 of 1985); or
(c) is a person whose licence to drive any motor vehicle has, at any time earlier, been revoked,
it may, for reasons to be recorded tin writing, make an order refusing to issue a driving licence to such
person and any person aggrieved by 5 86 an order made by a licensing authority under this sub -section
may, within thirty days of the receipt of the order, appeal to the prescribed authority.
(9) Any driving licence for driving a motor cycle in force immediately before the commencement of
this Act shall, after such commencement, be deemed to be effective for driving a mo tor cycle with or
without gear.
1. Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, s. 7, for sub-section (5) (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
15
1[(10) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the driving licence to drive e -cart or
e-rickshaw shall be issued in such manner and subject to such conditions, as may be prescribed.]
10. Form and contents of licences to drive.—(1) Every learner’s licence and driving licence, except
a driving licence issued under section 18, shall be in such form and shall contain such information as may
be prescribed by the Central Government.
(2) A learner’s licence or, as the case may be, driving licence shall also be expressed as entitling the
holder to drive a motor vehicle of one or more of the following classes, namely:—
(a) motor cycle without gear;
(b) motor cycle with gear;
(c) invalid carriage;
(d) light motor vehicle;
2[(e) transport vehicle;]
(i) road-roller;
(j) motor vehicle of a specified description.
11. Additions to driving licence .—(1) Any person holding a driving licence to drive any class or
description of motor vehicles, who is not for the time being disqualified for holding or obtaining a driving
licence to drive any other class or description of motor vehicles, may apply to the licensing autho rity
having jurisdiction in the area in which he resides or carries on his business in such form and
accompanied by such documents and with such fees as may be prescribed by the Central Government for
the addition of such other class or description of motor vehicles to the licence.
(2) Subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the Central Government, the provisions of section 9
shall apply to an application under this section as if the said application were for the grant of a licence
under that section to drive the class or description of motor vehicles which the applicant desi res to be
added to his licence.
12. Licensing and regulation of schools or establishments for imparting instruction in driving of
motor vehicles .—(1) The Central Government may mak e rules for the purpose of licensing and
regulating, by the State Governments, schools or establishments (by whatever name called) for imparting
instruction in driving of motor vehicles and matters connected therewith.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may
provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(a) licensing of such schools or establishments including grant, renewal a nd revocation of such
licences;
(b) supervision of such schools or establishments;
(c) the form of application and the form of licence and the particulars to be contained therein;
(d) fee to be paid with the application for such licences;
(e) conditions subject to which such licences may be granted;
(f) appeals against the orders of refusal to grant or renew such licences and appeals against the
orders revoking such licences;
(g) conditions subject to which a person may establish and maintain any such school or
establishment for imparting instruction in driving of motor vehicles;
(h) nature, syllabus and duration of course or courses for efficient instruction in driving any motor
vehicle;
1. Ins. by Act 3 of 2015, s. 4 (w.e.f. 7-1-2015).
2. Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, s. 8, for clauses (e) to (h) (w.e.f. 14-11-1994).
16
(i) apparatus and equipments (including motor vehicles fitted with dual control) required for the
purpose of imparting such instruction;
(j) suitability of the premises at which such schools or establishments may be established or
maintained and facilities to be provided therein;
(k) qualifications, both educational and professional (including experience), which a person
imparting instruction in driving a motor vehicle shall possess;
(l) inspection of such schools and establishments (including the services rendered by them and the
apparatus, equipments and motor vehicles maintained by them for imparting such instruction);
(m) maintenance of records by such schools or establishments;
(n) financial stability of such schools or establishments;
(o) the driving certificates, if any, to be issued by such schools or establishments and the form in
which such driving certificates shall be is sued and the requirements to be complied with for the
purposes of issuing such certificates;
(p) such other matters as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(3) Where the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary or expedie nt so to do, it may, by
rules made in this behalf, exempt generally, either absolutely or subject to such conditions as may be
specified in the rules, any class of schools or establishments imparting instruction in driving of motor
vehicles or matters connected therewith from the provisions of this section.
(4) A school or establishment imparting instruction in driving of motor vehicles or matters connected
therewith immediately before the commencement of this Act whether under a licence or not, may
continue to impart such instruction without a licence issued under this Act for a period of one month from
such commencement, and if it has made an application for such licence under this Act within the said
period of one month and such application is in the prescribed form, contains the prescribed particulars and
is accompanied by the prescribed fee, till the disposal of such application by the licensing authority.
13. Extent of effectiveness of lic ences, to drive motor vehicles .—A learner’s licence or a d riving
licence issued under this Act shall be effective throughout India.
14. Currency of li cences to drive motor vehicles .—(1) A learner ’s licence issued under this Act
shall, subject to the other provisions of this Act, be effective for a period of six m onths from the date of
issue of the licence.
(2) A driving licence issued or renewed under this Act shall,—
(a) in the case of a licence to drive a transport vehicle, be effecti ve for a period of three years:
1***
2[Provided that in the case of licence to drive a transport vehi cle carrying goods of dangerous
or hazardous nature be effective for a period of one year and renewal thereof shall be subject to the
condition that the driver undergoes one day refresher course of the prescribed syllabu s;
and;]
(b) in the case of any other licence,—
(i) if the person obtaining the licence, either originally or on renewal thereof, has not attained
the age of 3[fifty years] on the date of issue or, as the case may be, renewal thereof,—
(A) be effective for a period of twenty years from the date of suExcerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.