Driving licences may get separate colour codes for Indians and foreigners under proposed new rules

New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed significant changes to driving licence rules, including separate colour schemes for Indian and foreign nationals, mandatory emergency contact information and stricter road safety assessments.

The proposed amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules also seek to simplify documentation, eliminate certain fees and introduce time-bound processing of applications for changes in licence details.

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Under the draft notification, driving licences issued or renewed for Indian and foreign nationals will have separate formats and colour schemes, allowing authorities to distinguish between the two categories.

Every licence will continue to be issued as a laminated or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) card under Form 7.

Blood group and emergency contacts to become mandatory

The ministry has proposed making it compulsory for driving licences to display the holder’s blood group, mobile number and emergency contact numbers.

The move is intended to make essential information readily available during road accidents and other emergencies.

However, the proposal also raises questions about the accuracy of medical information and the privacy of personal contact details printed on licences.

Tougher assessment for driving licence applicants

In a move aimed at strengthening road safety awareness, the ministry has proposed raising the minimum qualifying score for the safe-driving tutorial assessment from 60 percent to 75 percent.

The tutorial will also be required to run for at least 30 minutes.

A senior ministry official said the changes are intended to tighten assessment standards and improve road safety compliance.

The higher passing threshold could make the assessment more demanding, although its effectiveness will depend on the quality of training and the seriousness with which applicants complete the tutorial.

Affidavits and insurance policies to be removed from accepted documents

The draft rules propose discontinuing the acceptance of affidavits sworn before executive magistrates or notaries, as well as life insurance policies, as proof of age and address.

The ministry has cited concerns over potential misuse of such documents.

Instead, applicants will be able to submit prescribed identity and residence documents, including Aadhaar, passports, voter identity cards, e-ration cards and birth certificates, subject to the applicable documentary requirements.

The proposed changes are intended to strengthen verification while reducing reliance on documents considered vulnerable to misuse.

No fee for updating name and address

The ministry has also proposed removing charges for changes to personal information recorded on driving licences, including names and addresses.

Licensing authorities will be required to approve or reject applications for such changes within 15 days.

In cases of rejection, authorities must provide reasons for their decision, introducing a clearer accountability mechanism in the application process.

Additionally, the draft proposes waiving fees for certain online driving licence services completed through Aadhaar-based authentication.

These measures could reduce costs and processing delays for applicants, provided licensing authorities implement the revised procedures effectively.

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Public feedback invited within 30 days

The ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days of publication of the draft notification.

The proposals will be considered before the government finalises the amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

While the changes promise greater standardisation, simpler procedures and tighter safety requirements, their implementation will require licensing authorities to upgrade systems and ensure the accuracy and security of personal information.

Importantly, the proposed rules are still at the draft stage and have not yet come into force.

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