Domicile Certificate to Become Compulsory
The Maharashtra government has decided to make a domicile certificate compulsory for anyone applying for a driving licence in the state from August 1, 2026. The move is aimed at improving the verification process and ensuring that applicants fulfil the state’s eligibility requirements before a licence is issued.
The proposal has already been sent to the Law and Judiciary Department for approval. Once the legal clearance is received, the new rule will come into effect across Maharashtra.
Government Plans Legal Framework for Bike Taxis
Alongside the changes to the driving licence system, the state government is preparing a new policy to regulate bike taxi services. The proposed framework is intended to bring bike taxi operations under legal supervision, improve passenger safety, create jobs for young people and generate additional revenue for the state.
Under the draft policy, bike taxi operators will have to pay a daily government fee of ₹5. In addition, ₹2 from every ride will be contributed to a welfare fund for drivers to provide financial support and social security benefits.
Strict Eligibility for Bike Taxi Drivers
The proposed rules require every bike taxi rider to possess a valid driving licence under the Motor Vehicles Act and a public service vehicle badge issued under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules.
Before receiving the badge, drivers will also have to undergo police character verification. The government believes these measures will improve passenger confidence and ensure that only verified drivers operate bike taxi services.
Focus on Passenger Safety
The draft policy includes special safety measures for women, students and minor passengers. Authorities plan to introduce stricter monitoring of bike taxi services to ensure operators comply with safety standards and transport regulations.
Action Against Illegal Bike Taxi Operations
The government has also intensified its crackdown on unauthorised bike taxis. Private motorcycles are not permitted to transport passengers commercially without official approval.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, transport authorities detected 814 vehicles operating without valid permits. During the enforcement drive, 151 vehicles were seized, 14 FIRs were registered and ₹16.25 lakh was recovered in fines.
In a separate drive conducted between April and May 2026, officials took action against 211 vehicles, seized 66 vehicles and collected ₹2.31 lakh in penalties.
Temporary Permissions for Aggregators
The State Transport Authority has granted 30-day temporary permissions to major app-based operators in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, allowing them to operate while fulfilling the conditions required under the proposed regulations. These permissions are subject to compliance with all prescribed rules within the stipulated period.
Government’s Objective
The Maharashtra government says the new measures are designed to modernise the transport sector by strengthening the driving licence system, regulating bike taxi services, improving passenger safety, supporting driver welfare and creating new employment opportunities while ensuring stricter enforcement against illegal transport operations.
