Speed Governor / Speed Limiter Rules
All commercial transport vehicles must have a speed governor limiting speed to the prescribed maximum.
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.
Penalty Under Law
Driving without speed governor or tampering: ₹5,000 (Sec. 112/192). Vehicle may be impounded.
Legal Source
MV Act Sec. 112; CMVR Rule 118
What the Law Says
Section 112 MV Act: The Central Government may prescribe maximum speed limits for classes of motor vehicles. CMVR Rule 118: Transport vehicles must be fitted with speed governors restricting maximum speed. Multi-axle truck: 60 km/h. Highway bus: 80 km/h. City bus: 60 km/h. School bus: 40 km/h. The speed governor must be tamper-proof and calibrated by an authorised agency.
💡 Why This Rule Exists
Heavy vehicles at high speed are the most lethal objects on the road — their kinetic energy is proportional to mass × speed². A fully loaded truck at 100 km/h cannot stop for several hundred metres. Speed governors mechanically limit the vehicle's top speed, removing the temptation for drivers paid on a per-trip basis to drive faster. India's highways see a disproportionate number of fatal truck crashes due to excessive speed.
Key Facts
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Multi-axle truck: max 60 km/h (many states).
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Light goods vehicle: max 80 km/h.
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Highway bus: max 80 km/h.
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City bus: max 60 km/h.
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School bus: max 40 km/h.
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Speed governor must have a seal — broken seal = tampering offence.
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Annual calibration required.
⚠️ Common Violations
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Tampering with or removing speed governors.
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Fake speed governor certificates.
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Installing a governor but disabling it with a bypass switch.
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
Goods Vehicle and Cargo Transport Rules
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).
Without permit: ₹10,000 (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
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