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This Indian State Now Mandates Dashboard Cams: Here's Why
The Kerala High Court recently made a decision affecting future driving tests in the state. It refused to halt the new rules set by the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD).
These rules call for dashboard cameras in test vehicles and ban the use of vehicles over 15 years old for driving tests. This ruling came on April 4, 2024, after some driving school instructors challenged the MVD's circular.
Justice Kauser Edappagath ruled that the Transport Commissioner is within rights to issue such directives, aligning with central laws. The amendments introduced aim to enhance the driving test process.
Applicants must now navigate real-life driving scenarios to qualify for a license. This includes driving in heavy traffic and completing tasks like angular parking and zig-zag driving. Additionally, the number of driving tests conducted daily is capped at 30.
The controversy stemmed from the instructors' claim that these new requirements were hastily imposed and conflicted with the existing Motor Vehicles Act and Rules. Among the notable changes, two-wheeler license tests are now limited to gear motorcycles over 95 cc.
Meanwhile, electric and automatic cars are excluded from the four-wheeler driving test. Another significant update is the mandatory installation of dashboard cameras and vehicle location tracking devices by driving school owners.
The recorded test footage must be presented to the Motor Vehicles Inspector and preserved for three months. The intention behind these measures is to ensure a more transparent and effective testing process.
DriveSpark Thinks
The Kerala High Court's refusal to stay the MVD's circular marks a significant shift in driving test regulations in the state. By introducing these stringent requirements, the department aims to improve road safety and ensure that new drivers are well-equipped to handle real-world driving conditions.
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