Authorities to accept digital versions of vehicle documents soon

The Centre is set to amend the Motor Vehicle Rules which will make it compulsory for the authorities to accept electronic or digital versions of all vehicle-related documents. These documents would also include insurance documents and pollution-under-control certificates.

This move comes as a respite in today's digital age since the transport authorities and traffic police did not accept any digital versions of driving licences and registration certificates till now. The road transport ministry is expected to issue an advisory on this matter within the next two days.

In the draft rules as notified by the road transport ministry, it is also proposed to make it compulsory for the trucks to carry construction materials (cement, soil, sand, etc.) in a container or closed space or body, and in case it is necessary to carry goods in open for the cargo vehicles, such goods are to be covered by using appropriate covers like tarpaulin. This proposition has been made considering the damage caused to the environment due to the uncovered trucks.

In another relief, it has been proposed that the old vehicles (up to eight years) would undergo the fitness test once in two years, instead of every year. However, vehicles older than this would have to be tested annually.

The ministry has also recommended mandatory installations of FASTags, and fixing of reflexive tapes and vehicle tracking systems in all the National Permit Vehicles.