Heavy vehicle operators advised to follow safety rules
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 29 2024: The Transport Department has directed operators of heavy vehicles to comply with safety standards as prescribed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Among others, the prescribed safety standards of the Ministry mandated fitting of Rear Under-run Protection Devices (RUPD) and Lateral Side Protection Devices (LUPD) on N2, N3, T3, and T4 category vehicles to enhance safety, in case of collisions and accidents.

The Transport Department's notification issued on August 23 noted that many heavy vehicles and trailers continue to operate without the aforementioned safety devices, despite their effectiveness in reducing fatalities and serious injuries in accidents.

The absence of RUPD and LUPD not only compromises safety but also constitutes violation of Rule 62 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, it cautioned.

The notification also pointed out that all RUPD and LUPD devices must comply with Rule 124(1A) of CMVR, 1989.The technical requirements for these devices are specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS:14812-2005 for RUPD and IS:14682-2004 for LUPD, which have been amended periodically to meet evolving safety standards.

In addition to enforcement of safety devices, the notification also expressed concern over the issue of open-body goods carriage vehicles operating without appropriate covers and reminded vehicle owners and operators that under Rule 138(B) of CMVR all goods carriage vehicles must be covered using suitable materials such as tarpaulin during transit to ensure the safety of transported goods and reduce hazards.

It also warned that non-compliance with these safety measures will result in penalties under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 .

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