Crash guards are illegal: Transport ministry

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The unauthorised fitment of crash guard/bull bar on motor vehicles will invite strict action.   The Union ministry of road transport and highways has asked all the state governments to take action against such practices as they have been posing safety concerns to the pedestrians as well as occupants of the vehicles. The order dated  December 7 (No.RT -11021/38/2017 – MVL) has been addressed to the principal secretaries (transport), secretaries (transport) and transport commissioners of all  states/Union territory administrations.

The order issued by Priyank Bharti, director, MVL under MoRTH ministry, stated, “The fitment of crash guards/bull bar is in contravention of Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and attracts penalty under Section 190 and Section 191 of the Motor Vehicles  Act, 1988. States have to take strict action against those vehicle owners  who resort to unauthorised fitment of crash guard/bull bar on the motor vehicles,” says the order.

The order has been sent to chief secretary K.M. Abraham as well. The majority of motorcycles have crash guard and high-end Multi-Utility Vehicles like Xylo and longer cars like Innova have bull bar. However, two-wheeler users complained that the MoRTH had forgotten the welfare of the motorists and pedestrians alike.  “When motorcycle accidents occur,  the riders fall down and it is the crash guard that saves them from serious injuries.   This decision should be revoked,” a two-wheeler rider told this newspaper.