Mangaluru: DC mandates permits for e-autos; unlicensed vehicles to be barred from city limits

Mangaluru: DC mandates permits for e-autos; unlicensed vehicles to be barred from city limits

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 1, 2025: In a move to regulate auto-rickshaw operations and bring order to the growing number of electric vehicles, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner (DC) Darshan H V has made it mandatory for all battery-operated autos to obtain valid permits before operating within the district.

The order, issued under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rule 221(A)(5) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, withdraws the earlier directive of July 26, 2024, which had permitted the free movement of e-autos and vehicles running on methanol and ethanol fuels.

As per the new notification, battery-powered autos registered between January 20, 2002, and October 30, 2025, operating in Zone 1 (Mangaluru city and Ullal), must apply to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) for valid permits. The decision was taken following discussions at the RTA meeting on August 18.

Zone 1 autos will be identified with a sky-blue square marking and a police-issued identification number, and they must operate only within designated auto stands in the city limits.

For Zone 2 (rural areas), all electric autos registered after October 30, 2025, will be classified as rural permit holders. These vehicles will carry a circular yellow sticker with a police-issued ID and will be restricted to rural routes, barred from entering Zone 1 limits.

“All e-autos operating without valid permits must regularise immediately,” DC Darshan H V directed, stressing that the initiative aims to ensure road safety, discipline, and fair competition among operators.

The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner has been instructed to install necessary signboards under Section 116 of the Motor Vehicles Act to support the new zoning system, while the DCP (Traffic) and the Senior Regional Transport Officer will oversee its effective enforcement across Dakshina Kannada.