Taxi and Auto-Rickshaw Rules
Taxis and autos must have valid permits, meters, and rate cards. Refusal of hire is an offence.
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.
Penalty Under Law
Refusal of hire: ₹5,000 (Sec. 178). Without permit: ₹10,000 (Sec. 192A). Overcharging: state-specific penalties.
Legal Source
MV Act Sec. 66, 178; State Motor Vehicle Rules
What the Law Says
Section 66 MV Act: No public service vehicle shall operate without a permit. Section 178: Refusal to carry a passenger by the driver of a vehicle operating under a permit is an offence — ₹5,000 fine. State-specific rules govern: fare meters, rate cards, maximum fares, driver dress code, vehicle age limit, and complaint mechanisms. App-based taxis (Ola, Uber) are governed by the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020.
💡 Why This Rule Exists
Taxis and autos are essential public transport for millions. Without regulation, passengers face exploitation through meter tampering, refusal of hire to inconvenient destinations, overcharging during peak hours, and unsafe vehicle conditions. The permit system ensures accountability — a driver who violates rules can have their permit suspended or cancelled.
Key Facts
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Valid permit must be displayed inside the vehicle.
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Fare meter: must be electronic, sealed, and recently calibrated.
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Rate card: must be displayed in a visible location.
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Refusal of hire: passenger can file complaint — ₹5,000 fine for driver.
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App taxis: governed by MV Aggregator Guidelines 2020 — surge pricing capped in many states.
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Auto drivers must follow the meter — verbal fare negotiation for metered autos is technically illegal.
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Vehicle age limit: varies by state (typically 15–20 years for autos, 10–15 for taxis).
⚠️ Common Violations
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Refusing to go to a particular destination.
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Demanding a flat fare instead of using the meter.
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Tampered/rigged meters showing inflated fare.
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Operating without a valid permit.
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
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