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Key Terms in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

 


The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is the primary legislation governing the regulation of motor vehicles in India. It covers aspects such as licensing, registration, insurance, permits, traffic regulation, and penalties. Below are the key terms used in the Act:

1. Motor Vehicle or Vehicle

According to Section 2(28), a motor vehicle or vehicle means any mechanically propelled vehicle adapted for use upon roads, including a chassis to which a body has not been attached and a trailer. It does not include a vehicle running on fixed rails or a vehicle adapted for use only in a factory or enclosed premises.

2. Public Place

Defined under Section 2(34), a public place refers to any road, street, or way (whether a thoroughfare or not) or a place to which the public has access.

3. Transport Vehicle

As per Section 2(47), a transport vehicle includes a public service vehicle, goods carriage, educational institution bus, and private service vehicle used for carrying passengers or goods for hire or reward.

4. Private Vehicle

A vehicle that is not used for commercial purposes or for carrying passengers/goods for hire or reward. It is for personal use only.

5. Goods Carriage

Defined under Section 2(14), a goods carriage refers to any motor vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage of goods.

6. Public Service Vehicle

Under Section 2(35), a public service vehicle is any motor vehicle used or adapted to be used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward. This includes buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and contract carriages.

7. Contract Carriage

As per Section 2(7), a contract carriage means a motor vehicle which carries passengers as per a contract, without picking up or dropping passengers along the route (e.g., taxis and auto-rickshaws).

8. Stage Carriage

Under Section 2(40), a stage carriage is a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, which stops to pick up or set down passengers along the route (e.g., public buses).

9. Learner’s License

A temporary permit allowing a person to learn driving before obtaining a permanent license. It is subject to conditions and is issued under Section 8 of the Act.

10. Driving License

A legal permit issued under Section 9 that authorizes a person to drive a motor vehicle of a specific class or category.

11. Registration Certificate (RC)

A document issued under Section 41 of the Act that certifies that a motor vehicle is registered with the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO).

12. Fitness Certificate

A certificate issued under Section 56 that ensures that a vehicle is roadworthy and meets safety and emission standards.

13. Insurance Policy

As per Section 146, a motor vehicle must have a valid insurance policy, which can be either:

  • Third-party insurance (mandatory)
  • Comprehensive insurance (covers both third-party liability and own damages)

14. Permit

A legal authorization issued by transport authorities that allows vehicles to operate on specified routes. There are different types of permits

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