PANAJI
Drivers of public passenger transport vehicles will henceforth compulsorily have to sport their authorization badges else face stringent penal action, including going behind bars for three months.
In a 'public notice' issued on Saturday, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the State transport department said: "No person shall be allowed to drive a public vehicle without an authorization (badge) granted by licensing authority in the State."
Taxis, maxi cabs, stage carriage buses, contract carriages buses and tourist buses are the type of vehicles covered under the definition of 'public passenger vehicles', according to the notification issued by the regional transport office.
The notice also warns that penal action would be taken against violators including imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three months or a fine or both as prescribed in the recently amended Motor Vehicle Act.