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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter V
Section 115
Power to Restrict Plying of Vehicles — State Authority
Control of Traffic
Fine: ₹500Compoundable: YesEndorsement: No
BARE ACT PROVISION
Legal Text
Any authority authorised in this behalf by the State Government may, by order, prohibit or restrict the use of any motor vehicle or class of motor vehicle in any road or area, if it is satisfied that such restriction is necessary in the interest of road safety or for the prevention of danger, inconvenience or annoyance to the public.
Simplified Explanation
Section 115 complements Section 114 by allowing State-designated authorities (typically the Commissioner of Police, District Collector, or Road Authority) to issue operational-level vehicle restrictions without the need for a State Government notification. This enables rapid response to specific situations — road accidents requiring diversion, VIP movement security requirements, construction work blocking roads, or localised flood damage requiring vehicle weight restrictions. The authority's power is narrower than Section 114 (State Government) but more operationally flexible — restrictions can be imposed without the formality of a gazette notification.
Historical Context
Section 115 provides the operational complement to Section 114's policy-level restrictions, creating a two-tier system for vehicle movement management.Critical Changes
COVID-19 lockdowns saw extensive Section 115 orders restricting vehicle movement.
Used frequently for road construction diversions and emergency situations.
Practical Scenarios
"A Police Commissioner ordering diversion of all vehicles from a road where a building has partially collapsed — Section 115 order."
Common Queries
Yes — under Section 115, authorities authorised by the State Government (which typically include District Collectors and Police Commissioners) can prohibit or restrict vehicle use on specific roads for safety or public interest reasons.