As soon as the New Year revelry dies down, there is an imminent job at hand for vehicle-owners to remove…
Representative image (Photo: Getty Images)
As soon as the New Year revelry dies down, there is an imminent job at hand for vehicle-owners to remove crash guards, also called and bull guards.
The government authorities in Delhi will start penalising vehicles found fitted with this illegal aftermarket accessory that has been termed as a danger to the lives of pedestrians and occupants of the vehicles.
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Beginning January, a vehicle-owner may have to pay Rs. 1,000 for moving around in a vehicle fitted with crash-guard, front or back.
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The Delhi’s transport department will start cracking down on cars and two wheelers found with the these metal guards. Crash guards are rods or bars made of steel, iron or plastic which are fixed in vehicles to protect the bumper, radiator, and headlights.
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the accessory is illegal and if fitted on vehicle, owner can attract a fine of Rs. 1,000 for the first offence and Rs. 2,000 for subsequent offences. Those who sell or deliver such accessories are liable to be fined as much as Rs. 5,000.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had asked all state governments to take stern action against this illegality on vehicles. As per a written communication to the transport commissioners of all states and Union Territories, the ministry stated that crash guards “pose serious safety concerns to the pedestrians as well as occupants of the vehicle.” Crash guards also interferes with the working of air bags in the car apart from posing serious danger to people inside and outside the vehicle concerned.
Some state governments have already issued orders in compliance of the Centre’s communication.
Knowing that government departments also have these accessories fitted, the Delhi transport authority will soon issue an order to all government departments to remove crash guard fitments in a month, it is learnt.
Since most people are not aware of the fact that this is an illegality, the transport department will soon start an advertisement campaign to spread awareness.
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