Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 10: The Government of India, under Rule 118 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, has mandated the installation of Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs) in specified categories of transport vehicles. These devices help prevent vehicles from exceeding the prescribed maximum speed and thereby contribute to road safety. As prescribed under the said Rule, the maximum preset speed is 80 km/h for notified transport vehicles i.e. Goods and Passenger Carrying Vehicles, subject to the applicable exemptions to Two/Three Wheelers Quadricycles, Fire Tenders, Ambulances, Police Vehicles, while a maximum preset speed of 60 km/h applies to specified categories, including dumpers, tankers, school buses, vehicles carrying hazardous goods and the other vehicle categories specifically covered under the Rule. Vehicle owners and operators must ensure that the correct device and prescribed speed setting are maintained for their respective vehicle category.
It has, however, been observed that certain vehicle owners and operators remove, disconnect or tamper with Speed Limiting Devices after obtaining a fitness certificate. Such practices defeat the purpose of this mandatory safety requirement and render the vehicle non-compliant with the applicable statutory provisions. Under Section 56 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a transport vehicle must continue to satisfy the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules made thereunder to remain fit for use. Where a vehicle ceases to comply with these requirements, action relating to its fitness certificate may be taken by the prescribed authority in accordance with the applicable statutory procedure. Contraventions will also attract penalties under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, including Section 177A, wherever applicable.
Similarly, Rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, mandates the installation of a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) and one or more emergency buttons in eligible public service vehicles, subject to the exemptions specified in the Rule. These include eligible buses, motor cabs, maxi cabs, luxury cabs, omni buses, private service vehicles, Taxis and other vehicles falling within the definition of a public service vehicle under Section 2(35) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, wherever covered by the said Rule. The prescribed exemptions include two-wheelers, e-rickshaws, three-wheelers and transport vehicles for which no permit is required under the Act. The devices must conform to the applicable standards and remain properly installed, activated and functional. Their removal, disconnection, tampering with or disabling after obtaining a fitness certificate or permit defeats the objective of passenger safety and may invite enforcement action.
In this regard, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in S. Rajaseekaran v. Union of India, vide order dated 13.05.2026, directed all States and Union Territories to strictly enforce Rule 125H and Rule 118 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, by ensuring the installation of VLTDs and emergency buttons in new and existing eligible public service vehicles in a time-bound and verifiable manner.
The Transport Department is undertaking enforcement measures to identify vehicles that do not comply with these requirements. Inspections and verification would be carried out during fitness testing and other enforcement activities. Vehicles found to be non-compliant would be subjected to appropriate action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, including action relating to fitness certificates and permits. Applicable penalties and other legal consequences may also follow, depending on the nature of the contravention and the relevant statutory provisions.
All owners and operators of commercial vehicles, particularly those operating eligible public service vehicles/Commercial Vehicles, are hereby advised to refrain from removing, disconnecting, tampering with or disabling any mandatory Speed Limiting Device, Vehicle Location Tracking Device or emergency button. Any defective device must be repaired or replaced promptly through the appropriate authorized agency. Obtaining a fitness certificate or permit does not authorize the subsequent removal or disabling of a mandatory device. Failure to comply may invite necessary action by the competent authority, including applicable penalties and action relating to fitness certificates or permits, in accordance with law and the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
The general public is also informed that the Transport Department, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, is actively undertaking enforcement and verification measures to ensure compliance with these statutory requirements to ensure road safety. These measures are aimed at preventing over speeding, improving passenger safety, facilitating emergency response and ensuring effective vehicle monitoring across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Members of the public are requested to cooperate with the Department in this road-safety initiative.