Tracking device, CCTV surveillance and emergency buttons in Passenger Transport Vehicle (Buses, Taxies etc.) to be made mandatory

Soon after making panic button and GPS in mobile phones compulsory wef 01/01/2017 and 01/01/2018 respectively, the Government (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) has notified draft rules to  amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 for Provision of Vehicle Location Tracking Device, Alert Button and CCTV in passengers transport vehicles (i.e.; buses,  taxis etc.).

As per draft rules, all motor vehicles used as transport vehicles, as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988) shall be equipped with or fitted with vehicle location tracking device, CCTV based surveillance system, and one or more emergency buttons as per the Table below:

The following category of vehicles shall be exempted from this rule:
(i) two wheelers;
(ii) goods carriage; and
(iii) any transport vehicle that does not require permit under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988)

As per the notification,the draft rules are being published for information of all persons likely to be affected thereby and the said draft rules will be taken into consideration after expiry of a period of thirty days from the date on which the copies of this notification as published in the Gazette of India are made available to the Public.