The Karnataka State Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (KSCVOA) has raised strong objections to the Draft Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2025 (G.S.R. 724(E)), recently issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on 29 September 2025.

In a detailed letter to the Additional Secretary (MVL) at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, the association warned that several proposed provisions could unfairly penalise professional drivers and disrupt the commercial transport sector.

The KSCVOA’s main concern centres on the rule proposing immediate punitive action against drivers with five recorded traffic violations. Association President K. Radhakrishna Holla said that even minor offences, such as parking errors or minor traffic lapses, could accumulate to five instances, putting drivers’ livelihoods at risk.

“Imposing strict penalties for cumulative or minor violations without considering their severity is excessively harsh for professional drivers who rely on daily operations for income,” Holla stated.

Another major concern is the proposed suspension of essential services, including vehicle registration, licence renewal, and ownership transfer, for non-payment of pending challans. The association cautioned that such measures could cripple daily logistics operations, especially for businesses already struggling with driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and financial constraints.

Instead of blocking services, KSCVOA suggested alternative enforcement mechanisms, such as imposing additional fines or interest for delayed payments, to ensure compliance without paralysing the sector.

The association also highlighted technological and accessibility challenges, particularly in rural areas with limited internet connectivity. The draft’s dependence on e-Challan systems and digital portals, they argued, could lead to unintended penalties if SMS or email notifications fail to reach vehicle owners.

“To avoid such instances, postal notices should be issued where digital communication fails,” the letter recommended.

The KSCVOA urged the Ministry to reconsider and refine the draft rules, ensuring that enforcement mechanisms remain balanced, inclusive, and practical for all segments of India’s commercial transport ecosystem.

The association reiterated its support for road safety reforms, but called for policies that safeguard livelihoods while promoting responsible driving and compliance across the sector.