Goods Vehicle and Cargo Transport Rules
Goods vehicles must carry permits, must not be overloaded, and must secure cargo properly.
Every goods vehicle must carry a valid goods permit. Cargo must be secured with ropes or chains, must not protrude beyond the body without markings, and the total weight must not exceed the registered gross vehicle weight (GVW).
Penalty Under Law
Without permit: ₹10,000 (Sec. 192A). Overloading: ₹20,000 base + ₹2,000 per extra tonne (Sec. 194, as amended 2019).
Legal Source
MV Act Sec. 66, 113, 194; CMVR Rule 93
What the Law Says
Section 66 MV Act: No goods vehicle shall operate without a valid permit issued by the State Transport Authority. Section 113: Goods must be securely loaded and must not protrude beyond the vehicle without red flags (day) or red lights (night). Section 194 (as amended 2019): Overloading penalty — ₹20,000 base + ₹2,000 per extra tonne. CMVR Rule 93: Dangerous goods (inflammable, explosive, corrosive) require additional permits and vehicle markings (Hazchem panels).
💡 Why This Rule Exists
Overloaded trucks are a menace on Indian highways — they have longer braking distances, are prone to tipping on curves, destroy road surfaces, and collapse bridges designed for lower loads. Unsecured cargo can fall onto the road, creating fatal hazards for following vehicles. India has one of the highest truck accident rates in the world, and overloading is a primary cause.
Key Facts
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Goods permit: mandatory for all commercial goods transport.
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GVW: never exceed the registered gross vehicle weight stamped on the RC.
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Protruding loads: must have a red flag (day) or red lamp (night) at the farthest protrusion.
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Dangerous goods: Hazchem board, Trem card, trained driver, and ADR-compliant vehicle.
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No passengers in the cargo area of a goods vehicle (except cleaner/conductor).
- 6
Night driving ban: many states ban heavy goods vehicles from city roads at night.
⚠️ Common Violations
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Overloading trucks by 30–100% of rated capacity.
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Carrying passengers in the cargo bed of pickup trucks.
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Unsecured loose cargo (bricks, sand, pipes) spilling onto the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Commercial Vehicles Rules
Commercial Driving Licence Requirements
To drive any vehicle for hire or reward, you need a commercial driving licence (CDL). The minimum age is 18 for light transport and 20 for heavy transport (trucks, buses). A CDL requires passing additional tests including a driving test with a heavy vehicle.
Driving commercial vehicle without CDL: ₹5,000 (Sec
Bus and Public Transport Passenger Rules
Every bus must carry a valid stage carriage or contract carriage permit. Seated capacity is painted on the bus exterior. Standing passengers are permitted in city buses up to a prescribed limit. Intercity/highway buses must not allow standees.
Exceeding capacity: ₹200 per extra passenger (Sec
Speed Governor / Speed Limiter Rules
All commercial transport vehicles must have a functioning speed governor (speed limiter). Trucks are limited to 60–80 km/h. Buses to 60–80 km/h. School buses to 40 km/h. Tampering with or removing the speed governor is a serious offence.
Driving without speed governor or tampering: ₹5,000 (Sec
Taxi and Auto-Rickshaw Rules
Every taxi and auto-rickshaw must have a valid permit, a calibrated fare meter, and a displayed rate card. Refusal to hire without valid reason is a fineable offence. The driver must take the shortest practical route.
Refusal of hire: ₹5,000 (Sec