Karnataka Government introduces new rules for school transport vehicles

The Karnataka Government has announced amendments to the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, tightening regulations for vehicles engaged in the transport of school children. These amendments, published in the Karnataka Extraordinary Gazette on June 15, 2024, come into effect immediately.

Under the new rules, officially titled the Karnataka Motor Vehicles (Conditions for Vehicles engaged in Transport of School Children) (Amendment) Rules, 2024, vehicle owners and drivers must obtain specific documentation to register their vehicles as school cabs. This documentation can be a letter from the head of the school or parents, detailing necessary information as outlined in the annexure of the rules. The required letter must be presented to the Registering Authority for the vehicle to be registered or altered as a school cab.

The amendments, made under the authority of sections 96(2) and 212 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, aim to enhance the safety and regulation of school transport services. A committee, as specified in the original rules, will conduct meetings with drivers and parents to enforce compliance and address any issues related to the transportation of school children.

The state government had invited objections and suggestions from the public within 30 days of the draft publication in March. However, no objections or suggestions were received, paving the way for the finalisation of these rules.