The Supreme Court on Wednesday mandated the installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and alarm buttons in all public service vehicles, including buses, taxis, and tourist coaches. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan directed states and union territories to verify the installation of these devices before granting fitness certificates under Section 56 or permits under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The verification must be reflected in the Vahan application.
Rule 125H Compliance
Rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules requires the installation of VLTDs and emergency buttons in public vehicles to enable live-tracking and timely emergency responses. The court's order came after it was informed that only 1% of vehicles had installed these devices in the seven years since the rule was notified, a situation the bench described as "very disturbing."
Manufacturing Integration
The bench also asked Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee to explore the possibility of installing these devices at the time of vehicle manufacture. It directed the central government to hold a meeting with automobile manufacturers to discuss this integration.
The court emphasized that non-compliance would result in denial of fitness certificates and permits, ensuring that public safety measures are effectively implemented across the country.
