Andhra Pradesh Faces Massive Vehicle Compliance Crisis
New data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reveals a startling reality in Andhra Pradesh. Nearly 80% of the state's 1.8 crore registered vehicles fail to meet basic statutory requirements. These vehicles operate without valid pollution under control certificates, fitness certificates, or proper insurance coverage.
Explosive Growth in Vehicle Numbers
The vehicle registry in Andhra Pradesh has experienced unprecedented expansion. From just 70 lakh vehicles in March 2014, the count has skyrocketed to over 1.8 crore by December 2024. This represents more than 100% growth within a single decade.
Motorcycles and scooters dominate this fleet, constituting nearly 80% of all registered vehicles. This two-wheeler dominance directly correlates with compliance issues across the state.
National Context and Ministry Response
The problem extends beyond Andhra Pradesh. Recent ministry data shows over two-thirds of non-compliant vehicles nationwide are two-wheelers. Across India, more than 70% of 40.7 crore vehicles fail to meet some statutory norm.
The ministry has flagged this critical issue to all states. It has proposed a structured framework to ensure vehicle owners adhere to mandatory compliances within specified timeframes. Vehicles failing to comply would face gradual automatic deregistration under this proposed system.
Four Categories of Vehicle Status
Authorities have classified vehicles into four distinct categories based on compliance status:
- Active-Compliant: Vehicles with all valid documents and certificates
- Active Non-Compliant: Vehicles with some invalid documents or certificates
- Temporary Archive: Vehicles showing prolonged or repeated non-compliance
- Permanent Archive: Vehicles that are scrapped, deregistered, or have cancelled registration certificates
In Andhra Pradesh, the numbers paint a concerning picture. Only 18,38,913 vehicles fall into the active-compliant category. Meanwhile, 98,36,640 vehicles are active non-compliant. An additional 69,10,034 vehicles sit in temporary archive status, with 3,13,972 vehicles already in permanent archive.
Road Safety Implications and Fatalities
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' accident report highlights grave consequences. In Andhra Pradesh, two-wheeler riders constitute 30 to 35% of road crash victims annually.
On average, the state witnesses 2,500 to 2,800 two-wheeler rider fatalities each year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for improved compliance and safety measures.
Insurance Mandate and Current Gaps
Third-party insurance remains mandatory for all motorists under Section 146 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Both police and transport department authorities emphasize this requirement for all vehicles operating on public roads.
Yet current estimates suggest 40 to 50% of vehicles lack proper insurance coverage. Motorcycles and scooters represent the majority of these uninsured vehicles. Authorities note that two-wheelers feature prominently in road accidents, making insurance coverage particularly crucial for rider protection.
Officer Insights and Behavioral Patterns
A senior road transport department officer provided valuable insights. Many motorists owning multiple vehicles often insure only their primary vehicle. They justify neglecting additional vehicles by claiming irregular usage patterns.
This same neglect extends to other statutory requirements like PUC and fitness certificates. The officer noted that non-transport vehicles used for personal purposes show the highest rates of non-compliance.
Transport authorities confirm this pattern. Many motorists deliberately overlook insurance, PUC, and fitness requirements, especially for personal-use vehicles or those driven infrequently.
Proposed Framework and Consequences
The ministry's proposed framework establishes clear timelines and consequences. Vehicles failing to achieve compliance within one year would move to temporary archive status. After two years of non-compliance, vehicles would shift to permanent archive, effectively removing them from the active registry.
Underlying Causes and Expert Analysis
Experts identify multiple factors driving the personal vehicle surge. Population growth, rising incomes, easy financing options, and inadequate public transport systems all contribute to increased vehicle ownership.
However, experts warn that this vehicle boom carries significant costs. Environmental degradation and worsening traffic congestion represent just two negative consequences of unchecked vehicle growth without proper compliance mechanisms.
The situation in Andhra Pradesh serves as a microcosm of nationwide challenges. It highlights the critical need for systematic approaches to vehicle regulation, compliance enforcement, and road safety improvement across India.
