In a decisive step toward improving road safety, the Government of Telangana has issued new guidelines mandating the use of reflective tapes, rear marking plates, and approved reflectors on a wide range of vehicles.
The move, guided by Supreme Court directives on road safety, aims to reduce night-time accidents often caused by poor vehicle visibility.
The Transport, Roads & Buildings Department, through G.O.Ms.No.60, has ordered strict compliance with Rule 104 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989.
Vehicles including two-wheelers, goods carriers, autorickshaws, buses, tractors, trailers, modular hydraulic trailers, and even construction equipment like power tillers and harvesters will now be required to install certified reflective devices.
Key Provisions of the Order:
- Vehicles must use tapes and plates compliant with AIS 057, AIS 090, and AIS 089 standards.
- A QR-based Management Information System (MIS) will track the authenticity of reflective tapes and plates, preventing counterfeit or substandard products.
- Only empanelled Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) approved by testing agencies under CMVR Rule 126 will be authorized to supply reflective products.
- Manufacturers must obtain and submit a valid Test Certificate and Conformity of Production (COP) Certificate.
- The Transport Commissioner will oversee physical and digital verification during vehicle registration and fitness renewals.
The guidelines further stipulate that foreign manufacturers must establish fully owned subsidiaries in India to participate, ensuring accountability under Indian law.
Manufacturers are also required to share real-time data with the Transport Department for monitoring and enforcement.
Transport officials believe the new regulations will significantly enhance visibility of stationary or slow-moving vehicles at night, a leading cause of fatal accidents in the state.
Public Safety First
This measure is about saving lives,” said a senior transport official. “By mandating reflective safety equipment, we’re ensuring that vehicles are seen well in advance, giving drivers the reaction time they need.
The order reflects Telangana’s broader push for safer highways and urban roads, aligning state-level enforcement with national and judicial directives.
The rollout of QR-based digital verification also marks a modernization of compliance checks in the transport sector.
With implementation beginning immediately, vehicle owners and manufacturers have been urged to comply without delay, as inspections will become stricter during renewals and registrations.