Section 66 of MVA : Section 66: Necessity For Permits

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where Mr. Sharma owns a minibus and wants to use it to transport passengers between different cities. According to Section 66(1) of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Mr. Sharma cannot simply start operating his minibus as a transport vehicle without the appropriate permit. He must first obtain a stage carriage permit from the Regional or State Transport Authority, which would allow him to use the minibus to carry passengers over specified routes.

If Mr. Sharma also decides to use his minibus to transport goods when it is not carrying passengers, he can do so provided his stage carriage permit includes a condition that authorises the use of the vehicle as a goods carriage, as per the second provision of Section 66(1).

On the other hand, if Mr. Sharma's business involves towing services, according to Section 66(3)(e), he can use his towing vehicle without a transport vehicle permit when towing a disabled vehicle or moving goods from a disabled vehicle to a safe place.

If Mr. Sharma's minibus has a seating capacity for more than nine passengers excluding the driver, he must comply with the permit requirements unless the State Government exempts such vehicles through rules made under section 96, as mentioned in Section 66(4).