E-rickshaws, carts don’t need permits: Centre

NEW DELHI: E-rickshaws and e-carts will no longer require permits to ply on roads but states can impose restrictions on them under appropriate traffic laws on their

NEW DELHI: E-rickshaws and e-carts will no longer require permits to ply on roads but states can impose restrictions on them under appropriate traffic laws on their movement in certain areas.

HT Image

The Union road transport ministry has come out with a notification that serves to free e-rickshaws and e-carts from permit requirements.

According to the notification, the provisions of the subsection (1) of section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 will not apply to e-carts and e-rickshaws (as defined in section 2A of the said Act,) that are used for carrying goods or passengers with personal luggage.

“This means that vehicles that are registered as e-carts or e–rickshaws will not require any permits. State governments can however impose restrictions under appropriate traffic laws on plying of these vehicles in specific areas or specific roads,” a ministry official said.

The government has already issued guidelines for e-rickshaws, including speed limit, carrying capacity and body specifications.

The ministry had earlier notified rules under the Act to bring e-rickshaws and e-carts within the legal framework, ensuring tests for approval of prototype for safety standards before registration of the vehicles.