CHENNAI: The State Transport Department has directed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) not to register two-wheeler vehicles in the name of unauthorised persons, who don’t have valid driving licence. The move has apparently been taken to reduce road accidents. Instructions have been issued to all RTOs, through a circular dated August 24.
The RTOs will now meet vehicle dealers district-wise and instruct them to seek licence at the time of selling and also attach a copy of it while sending vehicles for registration. A transport official said this rule will be enforced on two-wheelers to start with. “It will be difficult to insist licence on those purchasing cars, as they might hire individuals who are licensed to drive,” the official said. Another reason for insisting on motorcycles, the official said, is based on the fact that over 20 per cent of two-wheelers involved in accidents, especially in rural areas, are driven by unlicensed persons. In the larger picture, officials say they want to hold accountable dealers and owners for accidents caused by those driving without licence.
As per section five (chapter two) of Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is the responsibility of owners of motor vehicles not to permit those without licence to drive the vehicle. “As per the law, dealers and owners are indirectly liable for accidents caused by those who should not ride,” the official said. Responding to this, M R Krishnan, deputy director, Consumer Association of India, said he was not sure how far it would be effective to curb accidents.
He recalled that this step is in line with the amendments to Motor Vehicles Act, which has increased penalties for those allowing unauthorised persons to drive vehicles. The proposed penalty has been hiked to `5,000 from `1,000. This latest step comes after making it mandatory to carry original licence from Sep 1. This has evoked concerns among a section of drivers. “Accidents are only due to bad roads, highway crossings, overloading and other reasons. In what way will carrying original licence help? Instead, it will only encourage RTOs and police to wield more powers,” said R Sugumar, president, TN Lorry Owners Federation.
Third in India
Tamil Nadu stands third in road accidents in which drivers without licence have been involved. The State is ranked third in the list, preceded only by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
3,904: Number of accidents
636: Number of persons killed
Data of Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways, 2015