Maharashtra Cab and Auto Drivers Face Licence Suspension for Lack of Marathi Knowledge
Commercial passenger vehicle drivers in Mumbai and across Maharashtra who fail to demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi could face authorisation suspensions for up to three months under the newly framed Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The state government has integrated the language requirement directly into the licensing framework for passenger transport operators.
The amended rules cover drivers operating autorickshaws, traditional taxis, and app-based motor cabs equipped with electronic meters. Under the revised Rule 4, possessing a working knowledge of the Marathi language has been made a requirement for driving authorisations. Additionally, Rule 22(3A) explicitly extends this condition to authorised drivers operating app-based cabs across the state.
According to the notification, licensing authorities are empowered to take enforcement action after recording reasons in writing. If a driver is found lacking the required language knowledge, the authority can initially suspend the relevant driving licence authorisation for up to three months. If the driver continues to violate the language mandate following the suspension period, the authority can subsequently cancel the authorisation altogether.
The Marathi requirement also applies beyond individual drivers to commercial transport permit holders. Under Rule 78, permit holders must possess practical knowledge of Marathi at a level deemed satisfactory by the concerned transport authority. Furthermore, Rule 85 dictates that this language condition will be enforced when operators seek renewals for app-based motor cab permits.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik explained that the statutory changes aim to improve communication between passenger vehicle operators and commuters in the state. Sarnaik stated that practical knowledge of the local language is necessary to communicate with passengers, understand their concerns, and ensure a safe and convenient journey.
State officials noted that the amendments were introduced to eliminate legal ambiguities present in earlier regulations. The government had received several complaints regarding non-Marathi-speaking drivers circumventing language rules by taking advantage of unclear provisions. The revised provisions are intended to establish a clear legal basis for strict enforcement by transport authorities.
Transport officials also clarified the legal terminology surrounding the update, emphasizing that the changes should not be cited as a new Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Act, 2026. Formally titled the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the provisions amend the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and have been enacted under the overarching Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
