Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (KSCVOA) has formally objected to the Draft Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2025, citing potential disproportionate impact on professional drivers and commercial transport operators. The association submitted a detailed letter to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), highlighting provisions that could disrupt operations and livelihoods across the sector.
The draft rules propose immediate punitive action against drivers with five violations on record, regardless of severity. KSCVOA officials warned that minor infractions ranging from small traffic lapses to parking errors could cumulatively jeopardise drivers’ livelihoods. The association emphasised that blanket penalties could disproportionately affect professional operators, particularly in high-traffic zones or rural regions with limited enforcement infrastructure.A key concern is the proposed restriction on essential services for vehicles with pending challans. The draft rules would block registration, licence renewal, and transfer of ownership, potentially paralyzing daily commercial operations. The association urged MoRTH to consider alternative mechanisms, such as additional fines or interest for delayed payments, rather than outright service suspension.
KSCVOA also highlighted technical and accessibility challenges, noting the draft rules’ dependence on e-Challan systems and online portals. Operators in rural and semi-urban areas with limited internet connectivity could be unfairly penalised if notifications fail. The association recommended that postal notices supplement electronic alerts to ensure fair communication.The draft rules’ current framework also appears to target private and small commercial operators, while public-sector and government-owned vehicles often have pending challans themselves. The association suggested prioritising accountability for larger fleets before imposing restrictions on smaller operators, advocating for a balanced and equitable enforcement model.
While the association reaffirmed support for road safety initiatives, it called for careful calibration of the rules to protect the transport sector economically. “A nuanced approach is necessary to uphold safety standards without stifling livelihoods or hindering commerce,” the association wrote.MoRTH has yet to respond to these objections, leaving commercial operators awaiting clarity on the final regulations. Industry experts note that the draft rules, if implemented without revision, could create operational and financial strain on thousands of professional drivers and vehicle owners nationwide.
