Transport Vehicle Permits under the Motor Vehicles Act

A transport vehicle permit is the statutory authorisation allowing a vehicle to be used for transporting passengers or goods in a specified area or on a specified route. Under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a transport vehicle generally cannot be used in a public place without a permit that governs such use.

Vehicles and permit categories

Under Section 2(47), a transport vehicle includes a public service vehicle, goods carriage, educational institution bus and private service vehicle. Chapter V provides different permits according to the vehicle's use.

• A stage carriage permit covers passenger vehicles in which separate fares are paid for individual journeys or journey stages.
• A contract carriage permit covers vehicles hired under a contract for the vehicle as a whole, subject to statutory restrictions on picking up passengers outside that contract.
• Separate permits are provided for goods carriages and private service vehicles.
• Temporary permits may be issued under Section 87, ordinarily for periods not exceeding four months, for specified temporary needs.

Authorities and grant of permits

The State Government constitutes the State Transport Authority and Regional Transport Authorities under Section 68. They receive applications and grant permits subject to the Act, rules and notified transport schemes.

• Permits specify operational conditions such as the authorised route or area, vehicle capacity, timetable, fares where applicable, and service requirements.
• Under Section 80, applications may generally be made at any time, and refusal must be supported by written reasons.
• A regular permit is ordinarily effective for five years under Section 81 and may be renewed.
• Transfer of a permit generally requires permission, while breach of conditions can lead to suspension or cancellation under Section 86.

Inter-state operation and public transport schemes

Under Section 88, a permit ordinarily requires countersignature before it becomes valid in another region or State. Reciprocal agreements between States can regulate inter-state routes and the number of permits.

• The Act also provides for special, tourist and national permits to facilitate specified operations beyond one State.
• Under Chapter VI, a State transport undertaking may operate services through an approved scheme in the public interest.
• By virtue of Sections 98 and 104, an approved scheme can override the ordinary permit framework and restrict permits on a notified route or area.