Commercial passenger vehicle drivers in Maharashtra could now face action against their driving authorisation if they fail to demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi under the state’s amended motor vehicle rules.
The Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026 have introduced Marathi language knowledge as a requirement for certain passenger transport drivers, including those operating autorickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs equipped with electronic meters.
Under the revised provisions, authorities can suspend the relevant authorisation on a driver’s licence for up to three months if the driver does not meet the Marathi language requirement. Continued non-compliance could eventually lead to cancellation of the authorisation.
Marathi Knowledge Made Part Of Licensing Rules
The amended rules modify the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Under Rule 4, practical or working knowledge of Marathi has been added as a requirement for the relevant authorisations.
A separate provision under Rule 22(3A) specifically extends the requirement to authorised drivers of app-based motor cabs.
The licensing authority must record its reasons before taking action against a driver found not to possess the required level of Marathi knowledge.
The rules provide for suspension as the initial action. If the driver continues to violate the requirement even after the suspension period, the authority can proceed with cancellation of the authorisation.
Permit Holders Also Brought Under New Requirement
The language condition is not restricted only to drivers.
Under the amended Rule 78, permit holders are also required to have practical knowledge of Marathi. The requirement will additionally apply during the renewal of permits for app-based motor cabs with electronic meters under Rule 85.
The concerned authority will determine whether the driver’s or permit holder’s Marathi knowledge is at a satisfactory level.
Government Says Move Will Improve Passenger Communication
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the amendment is intended to make communication between drivers and passengers easier.“Practical knowledge of the local language is necessary to communicate with passengers, understand their concerns and ensure a safe and convenient journey,” he said.
The government has also said the changes are intended to remove ambiguity from the earlier rules. According to the authorities, complaints had been received that some drivers were avoiding the language requirement because the previous provisions were not sufficiently clear.
Not A New Motor Vehicle Act
The Maharashtra government has also clarified the legal status of the change.
The measure should not be described as a new “Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Act, 2026”. It is formally an amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, made under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The changes place the Marathi language requirement directly within the regulatory framework governing passenger transport services in the state.
