Earlier, tinted glass and now crash guards. In a circular, the Transport Commissioner’s office has asked the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to remove crash guards and take immediate action against vehicles with such fittings in the state and set a minimum fine of ₹500 for violating the new rule.
Under a directive issued by the ministry of road transport and highways last month, all state governments are to take stern action against unauthorised fitment of crash guards or bull bars on vehicles. Majority of four-wheelers, especially taxis, SUVs and heavy vehicles are fitted with crash guards made of iron, steel or aluminum in the front to avoid scratches or damage to vehicles, especially the engine.
The directive says, “The fitment of crash guards/bull bars on vehicles poses serious safety threats to pedestrians as well as occupants of the vehicle.”
The head of Mumbai’s Taximen’s Union, Al Quadros has written to Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, in a request to withdraw the directive as taxi operators have invested large amounts into fitting the safety guards in their taxis.
Al Quadros wrote in his letter that earlier, the Padmini cars had bumpers in the front and rear side which protected the engine. However, the Maruti Omni cars have bo bumpers. The taxi operators have fitted the safety guards to protect their passengers, taxis, and drivers.
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