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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter VI

Section 139

Power of Central Government to Make Rules

Special Provisions Relating to Motor Vehicles
Fine: N/ACompoundable: N/AEndorsement: No
BARE ACT PROVISION

Legal Text

The Central Government may make rules for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act, and in particular, such rules may provide for — the construction, equipment and maintenance of motor vehicles; the conditions subject to which motor vehicles may be used; the licensing of drivers of motor vehicles; and all other matters which may be or are required to be prescribed.

Simplified Explanation

Section 139 is the legislative authority for the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 (CMVR) — the comprehensive subsidiary legislation that operationalises virtually every provision of the MVA. The CMVR contains over 200 rules covering: vehicle construction standards (dimensions, weights, lighting, brakes, emissions); driver licensing procedures (tests, forms, fees); registration procedures; fitness certification standards; permit conditions; and all prescribed forms and fees. Without the CMVR, the MVA would be largely unenforceable. The CMVR is amended periodically — significant amendments in 1993, 2001, 2009 (Bharat Stage emission norms), 2018 (autonomous vehicles framework), and 2019/2020 (2019 Amendment implementation). States cannot make rules inconsistent with the CMVR under Section 139.

Historical Context

The Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 is one of India's most practically important pieces of subsidiary legislation — it is the daily operating manual for every aspect of road transport regulation.

Critical Changes

CMVR extensively amended following MVA Amendment 2019.

BS-VI emission norms incorporated — mandatory from April 2020.

AIS (Automotive Industry Standards) incorporated into CMVR.

Common Queries

The CMVR 1989 is the subsidiary legislation made by the Central Government under Section 139 of the MVA. It contains all the detailed rules — forms, fees, procedures, standards, and specifications — that make the MVA practically operational. It is regularly amended to incorporate new standards and requirements.