Karnataka travel operators seek clarity on digital compliance burden under amended CMV rules

The Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA) has urged the Union government to revise the implementation framework of the recently amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, cautioning that the new digital compliance requirements could place an impractical burden on commercial vehicle operators.

Association president K. Radhakrishna Holla said that while the organisation welcomed the Centre’s objective of strengthening road safety, improving vehicle quality monitoring, and enhancing administrative transparency through a notification, the responsibility framework required reconsideration.

The amendments mandate installation and operation of multiple digital systems, including AIS-140-based Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs), e-SIM connectivity, geo-tagged video inspections, High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), and digital data storage infrastructure, according to the association. Mr. Holla pointed out that placing the entire responsibility for maintaining and ensuring uninterrupted functioning of these systems on vehicle owners would create “significant practical challenges”.

“Commercial vehicle operators are already managing a wide range of statutory obligations such as road taxes, insurance, permit fees, fitness certification, fuel expenses, employee wages, and toll charges. Adding technical responsibilities like software updates, connectivity maintenance, and troubleshooting is neither practical nor fair,” he said.

The association argued that vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and their authorised dealers, who design and install such digital systems, are better equipped to handle their maintenance. The association proposed that OEMs be mandated to provide technical support, software updates, and uninterrupted connectivity services for a minimum of ten years from the date of registration.

Further, Mr. Holla stressed that liability arising from malfunction or disruption of digital systems, particularly if it affects vehicle fitness certification or permit validity, should rest with manufacturers or service providers, rather than vehicle owners.

Mr. Holla also flagged potential administrative challenges for Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and Automated Testing Stations (ATSs), which would be required to monitor large volumes of digital data, including video records and tracking systems.

The association called for a phased implementation of the new requirements. “The provisions should initially apply only to newly registered vehicles. Extending them immediately to existing fleets would impose severe financial and operational strain,” Mr. Holla said.