Motor Vehicles Act: Section 26 – Maintenance of State Registers of Driving Licences

(1) Each State Government shall maintain, in such form as may be prescribed by the Central Government, a register to be known as the State Register of Driving Licences, in respect of driving licences issued and renewed by the licensing authorities of the State Government, containing the following particulars, namely: 

(a) names and addresses of holders of driving licences; 

(b) licence numbers; 

(c) dates of issue or renewal of licences; 

(d) dates of expiry of licences; 

(e) classes and types of vehicles authorised to be driven; and 

(f) such other particulars as the Central Government may prescribe.

(2) Each State Government shall supply to the Central Government a [printed copy or copy in such other form as the Central Government may require] of the State Register of Driving Licences and shall inform the Central Government without delay of all additions to and other amendments in such register made from time to time.

(3) The State Register of Driving Licences shall be maintained in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.

Simplified Explanation

Section 26 of the Motor Vehicles Act mandates the creation and maintenance of State Registers of all driving licences issued within a state. This section ensures that each state keeps an updated, organized record of driving licences, including relevant details about licence holders, endorsements, suspensions, and other pertinent information.

Key Points of Section 26:

1. State Registers of Driving Licences:
   • Each state government is required to maintain a State Register of all driving licences issued within that state.
   • The register serves as a comprehensive and centralized record of all driving licences, making it easier for authorities to track licence holders, verify their credentials, and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
2. Details to be Recorded in the Register: The State Register must include important details about each driving licence holder, such as:
   • Name and address of the licence holder.
   • Date of issue of the licence and the licensing authority that issued it.
   • Categories of vehicles the licence holder is authorized to drive (e.g., motorcycles, light motor vehicles, heavy vehicles).
   • Any endorsements (penalties, restrictions) on the licence.
   • Suspension or revocation of the licence, if applicable.
   • Any disqualification from driving, along with the dates and reasons for the disqualification.
3. Updates and Accuracy:
   • The State Register must be regularly updated to reflect changes in the status of driving licences, such as new licences issued, endorsements added, disqualifications, or suspensions.
   • This ensures that the register always contains accurate and current information on each driver’s licence status.
4. Format and Structure of the Register:
   • The Central Government prescribes the format and structure in which the State Register should be maintained, ensuring uniformity across all states.
   • This standardization ensures that data can be easily shared between states and the central authorities when required.
5. Sharing of Data:
   • The data maintained in the State Register is meant to be accessible to other states and the Central Government. This facilitates the tracking of driving licences across states, particularly in cases where individuals move or commit offences in different regions.
   • This system also helps in preventing duplication of licences, ensuring that an individual cannot hold multiple licences from different states.
6. Access for Law Enforcement and Licensing Authorities:
   • Law enforcement agencies, licensing authorities, and courts can access the State Register for the purpose of verifying the validity of a licence, checking for endorsements or suspensions, and ensuring that drivers are compliant with legal requirements.
   • The register serves as a reliable source of information for traffic law enforcement and driving licence verification.
7. Integration with National Database:
   • The State Register of driving licences is intended to be part of a larger, national-level system that integrates information from all states into a National Register. This makes it easier to track driving licences across state boundaries and enhances the overall management of driving licences in India.
8. Inspection and Compliance:
   • The Central Government can inspect the State Registers and ensure that states are maintaining them in accordance with the prescribed rules and formats. The central authority can also require states to provide data for national-level analysis and policy-making.

Purpose of Section 26:

• Efficient Record-Keeping: This section ensures that every state maintains a centralized and organized record of driving licences, making it easier for authorities to manage and enforce driving regulations effectively.
• Road Safety and Accountability: By maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of driving licences, including suspensions and endorsements, the register helps improve road safety and ensures that individuals who violate traffic laws are held accountable.
• Inter-State Coordination: A well-maintained State Register allows for smooth coordination between states and central authorities, especially when tracking licences, sharing information, or verifying a driver’s status.

Conclusion:

Section 26 of the Motor Vehicles Act mandates the creation and maintenance of State Registers of driving licences, ensuring that each state has a comprehensive, up-to-date record of licence holders. This register aids in the efficient management of driving licences, enhances road safety, and supports inter-state coordination by providing accurate data on drivers across India.