SC permits LMV driving licence holders to drive transport vehicles with weight up to 7,500 kg
In a significant ruling benefiting commercial drivers, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held that individuals holding a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence are eligible to drive transport vehicles with a weight not exceeding 7,500 kg.
The judgement from a five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, offers clarity on licensing regulations and is expected to prevent insurance companies from rejecting claims based on the licence type of drivers involved in accidents. “A driver holding a licence for light motor vehicle… for vehicles with gross vehicle weight under 7,500 kg is permitted to operate a transport vehicle without needing additional authorisation… of the Motor Vehicle Act.
"LMVs and the transport vehicles are not entirely separate classes, and overlap exists between the two,” the Bench held, adding the statute should remains practical and workable. Pronouncing the unanimous verdict for the Bench, Justice Hrishikesh Roy, however, said the special eligibility requirement will continue to apply to vehicles carrying hazardous goods.
Besides the CJI and Justice Roy, the Bench also comprised Justices P S Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal and Manoj Misra. “Road safety is a serious public issue globally. It is crucial to mention that in India, over 1.7 lakh persons were killed in road accidents… and the assumption that they stem from drivers operating light transport vehicles driven by LMV licence holders are unsubstantiated,” the Bench said.
The Bench said factors contributing to road accidents include rash driving, speeding, road design and the failure to adhere to traffic laws. Other significant contributors are the use of mobile phones while driving and non-compliance with regulations like seat belts and wearing helmets, it added.
The judgement from a five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, offers clarity on licensing regulations and is expected to prevent insurance companies from rejecting claims based on the licence type of drivers involved in accidents. “A driver holding a licence for light motor vehicle… for vehicles with gross vehicle weight under 7,500 kg is permitted to operate a transport vehicle without needing additional authorisation… of the Motor Vehicle Act.
"LMVs and the transport vehicles are not entirely separate classes, and overlap exists between the two,” the Bench held, adding the statute should remains practical and workable. Pronouncing the unanimous verdict for the Bench, Justice Hrishikesh Roy, however, said the special eligibility requirement will continue to apply to vehicles carrying hazardous goods.
Besides the CJI and Justice Roy, the Bench also comprised Justices P S Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal and Manoj Misra. “Road safety is a serious public issue globally. It is crucial to mention that in India, over 1.7 lakh persons were killed in road accidents… and the assumption that they stem from drivers operating light transport vehicles driven by LMV licence holders are unsubstantiated,” the Bench said.
The Bench said factors contributing to road accidents include rash driving, speeding, road design and the failure to adhere to traffic laws. Other significant contributors are the use of mobile phones while driving and non-compliance with regulations like seat belts and wearing helmets, it added.