CONSTRUCTION,EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN DELHI

Q: What are the requirements for the driver's seat in a public service vehicle in Delhi?

According to the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules, 1993 :
(1) Driver's Seat Requirements:
(a) The driver's seat must be located on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
(b) Space and Control Requirements:
(i) The distance from the back of the driver's seat to the nearest point of the steering wheel must be at least 28 centimeters.
(ii) The width reserved for the driver's seat across the vehicle must be at least 70 centimeters. This space must extend at least 25 centimeters to the left of the center of the steering column. Additionally, a line drawn parallel to the vehicle's axis through the center of any gear lever, brake lever, or other control must be at least 5 centimeters inside the reserved width for the driver's seat.
(iii) For public service vehicles other than motor cabs, the space reserved for the driver's seat must be enclosed at the left-hand end with a rigid partition. This partition should be at least 30 centimeters high above the seat and extend forward of the seat at an adequate height above the floor.
(c) No public service vehicle should be constructed in a way that allows any person to sit or any luggage to be carried on the right-hand side of the driver.

Q: What are the seating and protection requirements for public service vehicles in Delhi?

1. Passenger’s Seat in Buses:

(a) Seating Space Requirements:

• For a conductor, a seating space of 38 cm x 30 cm must be provided.
• For passengers, seating space must meet the following specifications:
  • Two Passengers per Side:
    At least 38 cm² measured along and at right angles to the front of each seat.
  • Two Passengers on One Side, Three on the Other:
    • Seats for two passengers: 38 cm² measured along and at right angles to the front of each seat.
    • Seats for three passengers: At least 40 cm along the seat and 38 cm at right angles to the front of each seat.
  • Seats Placed Alongside the Vehicle:
    • Seats for two passengers: 38 cm² measured along and at right angles to the front of each seat.
    • Seats for three passengers: At least 40 cm along the seat and 38 cm at right angles to the front of each seat.
• Spacing:
  • Seats placed along the vehicle must have a minimum of 140 cm between the backs on either side.
  • Seats placed across the vehicle and facing the same direction must have a clear space of at least 65 cm between backs.
  • Seats placed across the vehicle and facing each other must have a clear space of at least 135 cm between backs.
• A seat for the conductor is not required in stage carriages running exclusively within the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

(b) Seat Height and Backrest Requirements:

• The height of all seats from the floor must be at least 40 cm, including cushions.
• The backs of all seats must be closed to a height of at least 45 cm above the level of the seat.

2. Passenger’s Seat in Four-Passenger Auto-Rickshaws:

• Each passenger must have a seating space of at least 40 cm² measured along and at right angles to the front of each seat.
• Seats should be placed across the vehicle. There must be a minimum clear space of 67 cm between the backs of the seats if all seats face forward.
• The backs of the seats must be slanting and extend to a height of at least 45 cm above the seat level.
• Seats must be provided with fixed or movable cushions covered with leather cloth or another material that is easy to clean.
• The height of the seats from the floor must be at least 35 cm, including cushions.
• Leg space of at least 37 cm must be provided.

3. Protection of Passengers from Weather:

• Every public service vehicle must have a fixed and watertight roof or a watertight hood that can be raised or lowered as needed. This requirement does not apply to the upper deck of a double-decker vehicle.
• Except for the uncovered top deck of a double-decker, every public service vehicle must have suitable windows, venetians, or screens to protect passengers from the weather while allowing adequate ventilation. Screens made of fabric must be securely fastened at all times.
• Glass windows or venetians must be equipped with effective means to prevent rattling.

Q: What are the special provisions and requirements for educational institution buses and sound signals for motor vehicles?

1. Special Provisions for Educational Institution Buses and Omnibus Transport Vehicles:

(a) Passenger List and Route Plan:

• The bus must carry a complete list of school children, including the name, class, residential address, and points of embarkation and disembarkation for each student.
• The list must also include the route plan, showing the place of origin, termination, and the detailed route, duly attested by the head of the educational institution.

(b) Vehicle Appearance and Features:

• The bus must be painted in golden yellow with a stripe below the window panel, which should be 25 cm wide and distinctive of the school’s color.
• The first step of the bus must be at a height not exceeding 325 mm from the ground, with all steps fitted with non-slip treads.
• The bus must be equipped with convex cross-view mirrors to enable the driver to see the exit door, entrance door, and the front of the rear wheels. It must also have a large parabolic rear-view mirror for a clear view inside the bus.
• Handrails must be provided along the steps at the front door, used for both entry and exit. The height, material, and design of the handrails must be approved by the Commissioner (Transport), Delhi.
• Vertical stanchions, appropriately spaced and firmly rooted, must be installed. The surface of the stanchions and the floor must be made of non-slip material approved by the Commissioner (Transport), Delhi.
• The bus should not have any pressure horn or other device for producing tonal sound operated by air pressure from the braking system.
• It must be equipped with:
  • A first-aid box with a glazed front containing the items mentioned in Rule 66 and as directed by the Commissioner (Transport), Delhi.
  • A dry powder type fire extinguisher located near the engine compartment.
• Provisions for bag racks under the seats must be included.
• Any other requirements specified by the Commissioner from time to time must be included.

2. Sound Signals:

(1) Use of Horns and Audible Warnings:

• No driver shall sound the horn or any other audible warning device continuously or excessively beyond what is necessary for safety.

(2) Prohibition of Horn Use:

• The District Magistrate may, by notification in the Official Gazette or by erecting traffic signs, prohibit the use of horns, gongs, or other audible warning devices in specific areas.

Q: What are the regulations regarding appliances on vehicles, colored lights, vehicle inspections, and air pollution control?

1. Prohibition of Annoying or Dangerous Appliances:

• No vehicle owner is allowed to carry or fix any appliance or fitting that may cause annoyance or danger to other road users.

2. Restrictions on the Use of Colored Lights on Motor Vehicles:

(1) General Restrictions:

• No colored lights, except those for internal lighting or direction indicators, are allowed in the front or on the roof of the motor vehicle.

(2) Specific Exceptions:

• Emergency Vehicles: Red revolving-cum-flasher lights may be used only by emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades, and police control room vehicles. These lights must be placed at the middle of the roof.
• Police and Transport Vehicles: Blue revolving-cum-flasher lights may be used by police patrol vehicles, pilot vehicles, and transport department vehicles. These should be placed in front and on top of the windscreen.
• Airport Vehicles: Amber revolving or flashing lights are permitted on vehicles operating at national and international airports within the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• Red Lights: A red light without a flasher may be used on the front bonnet of the vehicle, provided it does not exceed seven watts and is covered with frosted glass, after obtaining written permission from the Chief Secretary of NCT of Delhi.

(3) Violation Penalties:

• Vehicles found in contravention of these provisions may be challaned, impounded by traffic police, and their registration may be canceled.

3. Periodical Testing and Inspection of Vehicles:

• Prescribed Authority: The Board of Inspection is responsible for the periodical testing and inspection of vehicles.
• Methods: Testing and inspection shall follow methods prescribed by the Commissioner (Transport) from time to time.

4. Air Pollution Control:

(1) Pollution Under Control Certificate:

• Every motor vehicle must carry a valid “Pollution Under Control Certificate” issued by the Transport Department or an authorized pollution checking center.
• Authorized Pollution Level Test Inspectors may test vehicle exhausts. If the pollution level exceeds the prescribed standard, they may direct the vehicle owner to obtain a new certificate and cancel the existing one.

(2) Validity of Certificate:

• The validity period of the “Pollution Under Control Certificate” shall be as specified by the State Government, in accordance with rule 115(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Q: What are the regulations for pollution checking centers, trailers, audio device placement, and distinctive lights on educational institution buses in Delhi?

1. Authorization of Pollution Checking Centers:

• Authorization Requirement:
  No service station workshop can act as a pollution checking center without valid authorization from the Commissioner.
• Application Fees:
  • Application and renewal fees for authorization are Rs. 5,000.
  • Delayed renewal incurs a penalty of Rs. 500 per month or part thereof, up to a maximum of Rs. 5,000.
• Fees for Services:
  Authorized centers must charge fees for pollution checking and minor adjustments as prescribed by the Transport Department.
• Inspection and Compliance:
  • Pollution Level Test Inspectors can check the operations of authorized centers.
  • Violations or unlawful activities may lead to orders to stop operations and possible suspension or cancellation of authorization by the Commissioner.

2. Specific Rules for Trailers:

• Motorcycles:
  Motorcycles with up to two wheels cannot draw trailers, and those that do cannot exceed a weight of 230 kg or 1.5 meters in width.
• Prohibited Attachments:
  Motor vehicles over eight meters in length cannot draw trailers, except when towing due to disablement.
• Trailer Attachment Regulations:
  • If the trailer brakes cannot be operated from the drawing vehicle, one person must be on each trailer to apply brakes and another at the rear of the last trailer for signaling.
  • If the trailer brakes can be operated from the drawing vehicle, an additional operator must be carried on the drawing vehicle and one on the last trailer.
  • Locomotives must have one person on each trailer and two on the last trailer, including one for signaling.
• Exemptions:
  • Trailers with up to two wheels and 770 kg weight, articulated vehicle trailers, trailers for water, agricultural equipment, and specific trailers exempted by the Commissioner are not subject to these regulations.
• Distinguishing Marks:
  • Trailers must display a 'T' mark in white on a black background, meeting specific size and placement requirements.

3. Placement of Audio Devices in Vehicles:

• Owners, drivers, and passengers must follow Delhi Traffic Police orders regarding the placement of audio, radio, tape recorders, and similar devices in vehicles.

4. Distinctive Lights on Educational Institution Buses:

• Amber flashing lights must be installed on the top four corners (not the roof) of educational institution buses. These lights should be activated when the vehicle is stopped for boarding or alighting passengers.

5. Exemption from Rules:

• The State Government may exempt any vehicle or class of vehicles, or any person or class of persons, from the provisions of this chapter, subject to conditions prescribed by the Central Government.

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