Transport Minister gives much awaited relief to auto rickshaw drivers

– Now driving test of auto rickshaw drivers can be conducted on three wheelers.

– Orders the Drivers in possession of Light Motor Vehicle license not to be harassed

– Digital DL/RC of vehicle and other documents in digital format are valid: STC

Chandigarh, June 2:

             Giving a big relief to 3 wheeler auto rickshaw drivers, Punjab Transport Minister Razia Sultana, on Tuesday announced that now 3 wheeler auto drivers can give the driving test for getting Driving License by using a 3 wheeler auto rickshaw. Earlier, three-wheeler drivers were tested on four-wheelers.

            She also directed to all the Enforcement Authorities that if any three-wheeler driver has Driving License of LMV (Light Motor Vehicle), he/she should not be harassed, because as per provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the 3 wheeler auto rickshaw has been categorized into Light Motor Vehicle.

            Divulging the details, State Transport Commissioner Dr. Amarpal Singh said that instructions has been issued to the Licensing Authorities & Automated Driving Test Tracks of the Punjab to allow 3 wheeler auto drivers to give the driving test by using a 3 Wheeler auto rickshaw while seeking the required Driving License or its renewal.

            “In addition to above all the Enforcement Authorities have been directed to ensure that no three-wheeler auto driver is harassed, If they produce Driving License of LMV (Light Motor Vehicle ). As per provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the 3 wheeler Auto Rickshaw has been categorized into Light Motor Vehicle as the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed to 7500 Kg. With these instructions, more than 1 lakh Auto Rickshaw drivers will be benefited” he added.

            State Transport Commissioner has also been issued instructions to the enforcement agencies that a person producing a digital Driving License/Registration Certificate of vehicle and other documents in digital format on mParivahan Application of MoRTH Govt. of India and DigiLocker app of Govt. Of India, he/she is not required to produce the printed document, accordingly, all the enforcement staff should be sensitized.

            Dr. Amarpal further informed that in case a complaint shall be brought to them of enforcement staff not accepting documents in digital format, a strict action would be taken against such staff. This will dramatically reduce the scope of challaning without documents and then face unnecessary hassle.