Permit now mandatory for EVs and alternative fuel transport vehicles in Karnataka

In a significant regulatory shift, the Karnataka state government has issued a new order mandating permits for all electric vehicles and those running on methanol or ethanol fuels that are used for transport purposes. This applies to both newly registered vehicles and those already in use, which were earlier operating without the need for road permits.

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Previously, under Section 66(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, these vehicles were exempted from requiring a permit. However, invoking powers granted under Section 66(3)(n) and Section 96 of the same Act, the government has withdrawn the earlier exemption and issued a fresh notification. This overrides the previous order issued via Notification No. TD 2 TDO 2019, dated January 20, 2022.

With this change, battery-operated, ethanol-based, and methanol-fueled vehicles used for transport will now require valid permits to operate on roads. This aims to bring them under the legal and regulatory framework, ensuring better control over public transport and road safety.

However, offering relief to vehicle owners, the government has directed that such permits be issued free of cost. The move is seen as a balanced approach, encouraging the adoption of cleaner fuels while also tightening regulation to improve accountability.