Supreme Court directs states to ensure transport vehicles install tracking devices and emergency buttons

In an order passed in a public interest litigation (PIL) on road safety reforms, a bench of justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan observed that the provision for speed governors under Rule 118 of CMVR and vehicle location tracking device (VLTD) along with emergency button under Rule 125H are being followed in breach.

“Having lane driving will reduce accidents but how to inculcate it. Most drivers may be illiterate but lane driving is something the government must focus on,” the bench said, after it was told that as per a 2024 data released by Parliament, less than 5% transport vehicles have speed-limiting devices (SLD) while VLTD is installed in less than 1% vehicles.

The bench said, “The VLTD is something that will ensure safety of passengers, especially women, elderly and children,” as it directed states and UTs to “strictly enforce Rule 125H by installing VLTD and panic button in a time-bound and verifiable manner in all new and existing vehicles.” Further, it held that fitness certificates or permits shall not be issued to such public service vehicles which flout this condition.