E Carts and E Rickshaws freed from permit requirements

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a Gazette Notification today that serves to free e rickshaws and e carts from permit requirements. According to the notification, the provisions of the sub-section (1) of section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 will not apply to e-carts and e-rickshaws (as defined in section 2A of the said Act,) that are used for carrying goods or passengers with personal luggage. This means that vehicles that are registered as e carts or e – rickshaws will not require any permits. State Governments can however impose restrictions under appropriate traffic laws on plying of these vehicles in specific areas or specific roads.