The following shall be conditions of every permit:—
(a) That the vehicle to which the permit relates carries a valid certificate of fitness issued under section 56 and is at all times so maintained as to comply with the requirements of this Act and the rules made thereunder;
(b) That the vehicle to which the permit relates is not driven at a speed exceeding the speed permitted under this Act;
(c) That any prohibition or restriction imposed and any fares or freight fixed by notification made under section 67 are observed in connection with the vehicle to which the permit relates;
(d) That the vehicle to which the permit relates is not driven in contravention of the provisions of section 5 or section 113;
(e) That the provisions of this Act limiting the hours of work of drivers are observed in connection with any vehicle or vehicles to which the permit relates;
(f) That the provisions of Chapters X, XI, and XII, so far as they apply to the holder of the permit, are observed; and
(g) That the name and address of the operator shall be painted or otherwise firmly affixed to every vehicle to which the permit relates on the exterior of the body of that vehicle on both sides thereof, in a color or colors vividly contrasting with the color of the vehicle, centered as high as practicable below the window line in bold letters.
Simplified Explanation
Section 84 of the Motor Vehicles Act stipulates the general conditions that apply to all types of vehicle permits issued under the act, whether for goods carriage, passenger transport, or private service vehicles. These conditions are designed to ensure that operations are conducted safely, legally, and efficiently, maintaining a standard of service that protects public interest and road safety.
Key General Conditions for All Permits
- Compliance with Laws: All permit holders are required to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, the rules made thereunder, and any other relevant laws, including traffic regulations, road safety measures, and environmental laws.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Vehicles must be maintained in good working condition at all times to ensure safety and reliability. This includes regular servicing, repairs, and compliance with emissions standards.
- Insurance: Adequate insurance must be maintained for all vehicles to cover potential damages or liabilities arising from accidents. This includes third-party liability insurance as a minimum requirement.
- Display of Permit: The permit or a copy of it must be displayed prominently in the vehicle in a manner prescribed by the RTA. This ensures that the permit details are easily accessible for inspection by authorities.
- Route and Area Compliance: Vehicles must operate only within the geographical area or along the route specified in the permit. Deviations from prescribed routes or areas are generally prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the RTA.
- Fare and Freight Rates: Where applicable, the charges for transportation of passengers or goods must not exceed the rates prescribed by the competent authority. Permit holders must adhere to these rates to prevent overcharging.
- Reporting Requirements: Permit holders are often required to report any significant changes in their operation to the RTA, including changes in vehicle ownership, vehicle replacement, or modifications to the service provided.
- Safety and Conduct Regulations: Operators must ensure that drivers adhere to safety regulations and standards of conduct. This includes not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, adhering to speed limits, and ensuring courteous and professional behavior towards passengers.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Regular Inspections: Vehicles and operations may be subject to regular inspections by the RTA to ensure compliance with permit conditions.
- Penalties for Non-compliance: Failure to adhere to these conditions can result in penalties, including fines, suspension of the permit, or revocation of the permit in severe cases.
Impact on Stakeholders
- For Operators: Understanding and adhering to these general conditions are crucial for maintaining the validity of their permits and for conducting their operations without legal interruptions.
- For Regulatory Authorities: These conditions help authorities ensure that transport services operate within the bounds of safety, legality, and fairness, promoting public welfare and road safety.
- For the Public: General conditions ensure that transportation services are safe, reliable, and operate within the framework of law, providing a level of assurance and trust in public and commercial transport systems.
Section 84 serves as a foundational set of guidelines that govern the issuance and maintenance of all types of vehicle permits, ensuring a consistent approach to transportation regulation across various types of services and vehicles.
