The Commissionerate of Police, Dimapur has warned that auto rickshaws found operating without the Auto Rickshaw Display Card System (ARDCS) launched on December 16, 2023 would be impounded with effect from March 1, 2024.
In a final notice issued in the larger interest of public convenience, safety and security, DCP (Crime)/PRO appealed to all auto rickshaw owners and drivers to cooperate with the authorities concerned and submit the required documents to the office of the DCP (traffic) for obtaining the ARDCS. The notice also stated that the last date for issuance of the display cards would expire on February 29, 2024.
Traffic advisory
Further, traffic advisories have been issued in view of the alarming reported cases of negligent and reckless driving resulting in vehicular accidents and event deaths. Accordingly, it has been notified that all commercial and heavy vehicles would have to mandatorily install retro-reflective tapes on the body of the vehicle as mentioned under Rules 104 to 104E of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The lighting systems – brake lights, parking lights, headlights, indicators, etc – must be in operating condition at all times and also carry reflective/safety triangles in case of breakdowns/emergency.
As many accidents occurred on the highway due to vehicles being parked without taking proper precautionary measures, all vehicle owners have been cautioned not to park their vehicles by the highways/roads unattended at night or in a manner that would pose a risk to other motorists. In case of a breakdown or emergencies at night, hazard lights and reflective triangles should be used to warn other vehicles, the notification stated.
Pedestrians have been advised not to cross the highways/roads from undesignated crossing points. Instead, they have been asked to use road over bridges/zebra crossings at police traffic islands to safely cross the highway/road.
The pedestrians have also been reminded that jaywalking was dangerous and a major cause of reported hit and run accidents.
Reminding that wearing of seatbelt was compulsory for all passengers in vehicles fitted with seatbelts, the DCP warned that defaulters would be penalised under Section 194B of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.
The notification stated that talking on mobile phones while driving was dangerous and illegal, adding that defaulters would be penalised under Section 184 of the MV Act. As most motor accidents occurred due to excessive speed, the notification reiterated that whoever drove beyond the specified speed limits would be strictly penalised under section 183 of the MV Act.