International Driving Permit

Posted By
10Pointer
Categories
Polity & Governance
Published
31st Aug, 2022

Context

Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification for greater facilitation of citizens in the issue of International Driving Permit (IDP) across the country.

About International Driving Permit

It is an international travel document, regulated by the United Nations, which allows a person to drive in a foreign country.
According to the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention) ,a country is required to issue IDP ,for the acceptance of the same on reciprocal basis with other countries.
The validity of this permit is for one year and the applicants are required to get the licence from the country visiting within one year period.
Status In India: India is a signatory to Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention)

Currently, the format, size, pattern, colour etc. of the IDP being issued was differing across States in India.
Due to this, many citizens were facing difficulties with their respective IDP in foreign countries.
Now, through the amendment, the format, size, colour etc. for IDP has been standardised across India, and in adherence to the Geneva Convention.

A comparison of vehicle categories across various Conventions and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 has also been added for facilitation of regulatory authorities.

About Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949 (Geneva Convention)

It is an international treaty promoting the development and safety of international road traffic by establishing certain uniform rules among the contracting parties
It was prepared and opened for signature by the United Nations Conference on Road and Motor Transport held at Geneva from 23 August to 19 September 1949. It came into force on 26 March 1952.
The convention addresses minimum mechanical and safety equipment needed to be on board and defines an identification mark to identify the origin of the vehicle.

About Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 The Act came into force from 1 July 1989.
It replaced Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 which earlier replaced the first such enactment Motor Vehicles Act, 1914.
The act is amended by The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) act, 2019.
The Act provides in detail the legislative provisions regarding licensing of drivers/conductors, registration of motor vehicles, control of motor vehicles through permits, special provisions relating to state transport undertakings, traffic regulation, insurance, liability, offences and penalties, etc.