No person shall drive or cause or allow to be driven in any public place any motor vehicle with a left-hand steering control unless it is equipped with a mechanical or electrical signalling device of a prescribed nature and in working order.
Simplified Explanation
Section 120 of the Motor Vehicles Act deals with the regulations concerning vehicles that have left-hand control. This section is particularly relevant in countries like India, where the standard practice is for vehicles to have right-hand control, aligning with driving on the left side of the road. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this section:
Under Section 120 of the Motor Vehicles Act, special provisions are laid out for vehicles that are equipped with left-hand drive controls. This section ensures that such vehicles can be used safely and legally on roads that are primarily designed for right-hand drive vehicles.
Key Points of Section 120:
- Use of Left-Hand Drive Vehicles:
- The section specifies conditions under which vehicles with left-hand steering controls may be operated on the roads. This is crucial in regions where the norm is right-hand drive because the driver’s position affects visibility and interaction with road traffic controls and other vehicles.
- Regulatory Approval:
- Vehicles with left-hand control must typically receive specific approvals or comply with certain standards to be roadworthy in jurisdictions that primarily use right-hand drive vehicles. This might include modifications to ensure better visibility and safety.
- Safety Measures:
- The section may stipulate additional safety measures or modifications that need to be made to left-hand drive vehicles before they are considered fit for use on the roads. This could include the installation of additional mirrors or other devices to improve the driver’s field of vision and ensure safety.
- Registration and Compliance:
- Such vehicles must be registered accordingly, and the registration process might involve inspections or certifications to verify that the vehicle meets local traffic safety standards despite having left-hand control.
- Special Permits:
- In some cases, special permits might be required for operating a left-hand drive vehicle, especially if it is used for commercial purposes or in sensitive areas where traffic safety norms are strictly enforced.
Importance of Section 120:
- Safety: Ensures that vehicles with designs not typical for the region meet extra safety standards to accommodate the difference in driver positioning.
- Legal Framework: Provides a clear legal framework for the use of left-hand drive vehicles in a predominantly right-hand drive environment, helping avoid legal ambiguities.
- Adaptability: Facilitates the use of imported vehicles or those from regions with different driving norms, under strict safety conditions.
This section is crucial for maintaining safety and order on roads by ensuring that all vehicles, regardless of their original design standards, are adapted to meet local road use norms.
