The Karnataka Transport Department on Wednesday withdrew the permit exemption previously granted to transport vehicles powered by batteries, methanol, and ethanol under the Motor Vehicles Act. To ensure continuity of transport services and maintain public order, the department will now issue free passes for these vehicles.
Acting under Section 66(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, the government has officially withdrawn the exemption, making it mandatory for these vehicles to have permits. However, to ensure a smooth transition, the authorities will allow these vehicles to operate using free passes.
These free passes will be issued to both newly registered and currently operating battery-powered, methanol, and ethanol-fuelled transport vehicles that were previously running without permits.
According to The Indian Express, a transport department official stated, “Around 10,000 vehicles fall under this category in the state. All were exempted from obtaining permits from the transport department and were plying unregulated. By bringing them under regulation, it enables proper oversight on safety, insurance, fare structure, and interstate movement.”
These vehicles were earlier exempted under Section 66(3)(n) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, allowing them to operate without a transport permit. This exemption had been introduced to encourage the use of environmentally friendly and alternative fuel vehicles.
