Alteration of two Wheelers for use of persons with disabilities G.O

1. In the recent past, the Government have received a number of representations from persons with disability, highlighting the problem being faced by them due to nonavailability of invalid carriages in the market as well the policy of banning alteration in motor vehicles under Section 52 of the motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

2. Section 2 (18) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 defines “invalid carriage” as motor vehicle especially designed and constructed for the use of a person suffering from some physical defect or disability and used solely by or for such a person. Not being a commercially viable proposition, OEMs do not manufacture invalid carriage. Further, the degree and nature of disability also varies from person to person.

3. Prior to the amendment made in the Act in the year 2000, alterations in Motor Vehicles were possible with the approval of concerned registering authority. Section 52 was amended in the year 2000 to impose ban on alternation of motor vehicles to ensure that the vehicles conform to the originally approved prototype. Consequently, the registering authorities stopped the registration of modified / altered two wheelers. Proviso to Section 52(1), however, empowers Central Government to grant exemption for alteration of motor vehicles in a prescribed manner for a specific purpose.

4. The matter was, therefore, considered in this Department to find a way out to provide a suitable two wheeler to the persons with disability without compromising on their safety, as well as safety of other road users.

5. Keeping in view the above, the Government, in exercise of powers conferred under third proviso to Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, hereby grants exemption for alternation in motorcycles [defined in Section 2(27) of the Act] for use of physically challenged persons by the concerned State Governments, in the manner specified in the Annexure attached with this Order, subject to the following conditions:-

• Retro fitted vehicles should not be categorized as “Invalid Carriage” as these vehicles will not be meeting the definition of “Invalid Carriage” given under Section 2(18) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• Even after adding the side car on the left side of the scooter the seating capacity will remain same and the side car should not be utilized for carrying luggage.
• Such permission may be given to the person with disability if he is the owner of the altered vehicle.
• Such permission should not be considered if prototyped vehicle is available in the market.
• Permission for alternation should be valid if the person with disability is driving the vehicle.
• It will be the personal responsibility of the person with disability to keep the vehicle in fit condition / drive it carefully so that there may not be any safety hazard.
• Permission will be subject to obtaining a medical fitness certificate from the competent medical authority to drive the vehicle.
• Person with disability has to give the driving test and obtain necessary permission from the Licensing Authority to drive the altered vehicle. Ability of the person with disability should be considered while deciding his ability to drive a vehicle with prescribed modifications. A person with loco motor disability isrequired to have the modification in the specified vehicle as prescribed by a specialist Doctor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) / Orthopaedic Surgeon.
• Necessary entry in the RC about the alteration will be made by the concerned registering authority.
• Permission will stand withdrawn once the vehicle is sold to some other party.
• Valid certificate of retro fitment kit from authorized Test Agency will be produced.
• Valid certificate of authorized workshop for the fitment of approved retro fitment
• Above alteration should be permitted only in the non transport vehicles.
• All State / UT Governments are requested to consider the cases relating to retro fitment of side car in two wheelers / fitment of additional two wheels at the rear on both the side as per the following procedure:-

PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF RETRO FITMENT/ ADAPTATION KIT FOR TWO WHEELED VEHICLE FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSON

1.0 OBJECTIVE

Facilitate the person with lower limb disabilities to drive the two wheelers.

2.0 Possible modifications in the Vehicle
2.1 Fitment of Side Car:

1. 2-wheeler vehicle can be modified by fitment of a sidecar on the left side of the vehicle.
2. While carrying out such a modification, it shall be ensured that minimum changes are made on the basic structure of the vehicle.
3. In case the original vehicle has any foot controls (such as accelerator brake clutch or gear shift), such controls shall be adapted for operation by hand.
4. The vehicle shall have device to intentionally lock the wheels in order to prevent rolling of vehicle (in situations like alighting the vehicle, stopping the vehicle on the gradient, etc.)
5. The vehicle shall have either hand start or electric-starting mechanism.
6. Clamping arrangements shall be provided for carrying person’s aids/ crutches etc.

2.2 Fitment of additional two wheels at the rear on both the side:

1. 2-wheeler vehicle can be modified by fitment of additional two wheels to provide balancing / stability to the vehicle. The additionally fitted wheels shall have preferably the same size and specification of the original rear wheel
2. While carrying out such a modification, it shall be ensured that minimum changes are made on the basic structure of the vehicle.
3. In case original vehicle has any foot controls (such as accelerator brake clutch or gear shift), such controls shall be adapted for operation by hand.
4. The vehicle shall have device to intentionally lock the wheels in order to prevent rolling of vehicle (in situations like alighting the vehicle, stopping the vehicle on the gradient, etc.)
5. The vehicle shall have either hand start or electric-starting mechanism.
6. Clamping arrangements shall be provided for carrying person’s aids / crutches etc.

3.0 APPROVAL OF RETRO FITMENT/ ADAPTATION KIT

3.1 Application for Approval
Kit manufacturer shall submit the already type approved vehicle model fitted with retro fitment / adaptation kit along with technical information as per details given in Annexure A.

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