In a bid to ensure road safety and prevent accidents, the State Transport Authority (STA) has launched a stringent enforcement drive against vehicles operating without valid fitness and registration certificates. The move comes after the state government directed the Transport department to take strict action against such vehicles.
According to a circular issued by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, vehicles found without valid certificates will not only be fined but also seized, and legal cases will be filed against their owners. The decision aims to curb the menace of vehicles flouting safety norms, which have been involved in accidents and have resulted in insurance companies denying compensation to victims.
“We will not tolerate any negligence when it comes to road safety,” said Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur. “Vehicle owners must ensure that their vehicles meet the required safety standards, and we will take strict action against those who flout the rules.”
Under the Central Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is mandatory for transport vehicles to have valid registration and fitness certificates, while non-transport vehicles must have valid registration certificates. Despite repeated awareness campaigns, some vehicle owners have been found violating these norms, prompting the STA to take firm action.
As part of the enforcement drive, motor vehicle inspectors will abstract reports of expired fitness and registration certificates from VAHAN on a daily basis, and vehicles found without valid certificates will be seized under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The RTOs will also circulate lists of vehicles with expired certificates among bus, truck, and taxi owner associations, requesting them not to allow these vehicles to ply.
The STA has also warned educational institutions that no negligence regarding student safety will be tolerated. RTOs have been instructed to take legal action against the heads of educational institutions or schools found using vehicles without valid fitness certificates and other required documents for student transportation.
With this crackdown, the STA aims to ensure that all vehicles plying on the state’s roads meet the required safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of commuters.
