Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Motor Vehicle Act is all set to be amended in a bid to curb the misuse of official boards displayed on the vehicles. There have been a  few instances of drivers engaging in criminal activities whole using vehicles bearing the ‘Government of Kerala’ board. 

The amendment is to be brought in Section 92 (A) of the Act and is expected to come into force early next year.

The amendment would have special mention about the positions of the Speaker and Opposition Leader. Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary would also be included.

At present, the official vehicles used by these persons come under the ‘special category’ allowed by the State Government.  The Government of Kerala board can then be used in their official vehicles too. 

Ministers and those with equivalent ranking would only be allowed to use the board ‘Government of Kerala’.

Others who are authorized to use the official name boards will have colour restrictions. The red board cannot be used by everyone.
All the existing rules regarding name boards are being undermined. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the administrative institutions and statutory institutions which are legally allowed to display name boards on vehicles; hence a new list is being included by amending the rule.