The Hindu : National : Medical certificates may become mandatory to get driving licence

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Sunday, Jan 17, 2010
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Medical certificates may become mandatory to get driving licence

K. Balchand

Use of commercial vehicles older than 10 years may also be banned

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways is contemplating making medical certificate necessary for obtaining a driving licence.

The committee set up by the Ministry to review the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), 1988, is considering the suggestion that a new applicant must first secure a medical certificate from an ophthalmologist regarding his eyesight.

The committee is expected to meet again next week to consider fresh considerations aiming at totally revamping the MVA to bring vehicular norms on a par with the United Kingdom.

Driving e-bikes (electronic) too will require a licence once the amendment comes through and the minimum age to even drive a 50 cc two-wheeler will be raised to 18 years.

The Centre is also seeking to prescribe a speed limit on vehicles on the national highways in a bid to bring down accidents and fatality rates in the country which are the highest in the world. It is also likely to come down heavily on the use of mobile phones while driving.

While seeking to protect the interest of the State governments in operating the road transport corporations, the committee also has underlined the need for a uniform taxation system and a comprehensive review of the inter-State permit system.

While seeking to compound penalties for offences, overloading by commercial vehicles too will invite strict punishment including impounding of vehicles for at least six months.

The committee is also considering the possibility of proscribing the use of commercial vehicles older than 10 years.

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