On September 27, 2024, the Government of Bihar took a significant step towards modernizing its transportation regulations by announcing the Bihar Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2024.These amendments bring important changes to the Bihar Motor Vehicle Rules, 1992, specifically focusing on permit fees and renewal processes for various types of vehicle permits.
Key Amendments Explained
1. Changes to Rule 74: Permit Fees
One of the most notable changes involves Rule 74, which governs the fees associated with permanent permits for various vehicle categories. The revised rule now explicitly states the fees applicable for the following types of permits:
- Contract Carriage Permits
- Stage Carriage Permits
- Cargo Permits
- Tourist Permits
- Private Carrier Permits
This clarification aims to ensure that vehicle owners are well-informed about the financial implications of obtaining or renewing their permits, making the process more transparent.
2. Revamped Rule 82: Renewal and Countersignature Process
The amendment to Rule 82 outlines the process for renewing permits and obtaining countersignatures, which is crucial for maintaining compliance with transportation regulations. Here are the key aspects of the new rules:
- Application Timeline: Vehicle owners must apply for countersignatures 15 days before the expiry of their permit. Alternatively, they can apply within 15 days of receiving a new permit from neighboring states.
- Late Fees: The amended rules introduce a structured late fee system to encourage timely applications. The fee structure is as follows:
- 0-15 Days After Expiry: No late fee
- 16-30 Days After Expiry: ₹500
- 31-60 Days After Expiry: ₹1,000
- 61-90 Days After Expiry: ₹2,000
- 91-180 Days After Expiry: ₹4,000
- Beyond 180 Days: Up to ₹20,000
This tiered late fee structure is designed to incentivize vehicle owners to renew their permits promptly, reducing the number of expired permits on the roads.
The New Rule are set to come into effect on October 2, 2024
