Enacted on October 14, 1988, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 replaced the outdated 1939 legislation to address modern transportation challenges. It serves as India’s primary legal framework for regulating road transport, ensuring road safety, and streamlining vehicle administration.
The Act governs:
Driver/Conductor Licensing (Chapters II-III).
Vehicle Registration & Fitness (Chapter IV).
Permits for Transport Vehicles (Chapter V).
Traffic Regulations & Penalties (Chapters VIII, XIII).
Mandatory Insurance (Chapter XI) and Accident Claims (Chapter XII).
Its provisions empower central and state authorities to enforce standards, reduce accidents, and protect public welfare. The Act remains critical for legal compliance across India’s transport ecosystem.