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Section 120: Vehicles with left hand control

Motor Vehicles Act • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

Statutory Regulation
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Act 1988
Section 119 All 217 Sections of Motor Vehicles Act Section 121

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 120

Section 120 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 prohibits driving or allowing to be driven in any public place any motor vehicle equipped with left-hand steering control unless it is fitted with an approved, fully operational mechanical or electrical signalling device.

  • Absolute Embargo on Unfitted Left-Hand Drive Vehicles: Enacts a statutory ban against driving, causing to be driven, or permitting to be driven any left-hand drive vehicle on public roads without specialized signalling equipment.
  • Mandatory Signalling Device Requirement: The vehicle must be equipped with a prescribed mechanical or electrical signalling apparatus designed to give visible stop and turn indications to traffic behind and oncoming.
  • Continuous Working Order Requirement: It is not sufficient for the device to be merely installed; the statute commands that the signalling apparatus must be in active 'working order' throughout the vehicle's operation in a public place.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Bishan Devi v. Sirbaksh Singh (1979) 4 SCC 458: The Supreme Court emphasized that driving non-conforming or improperly equipped vehicles on public highways constitutes a grave road hazard; owners and drivers of specialized vehicles are under a strict duty to ensure all statutory safety and signalling controls are functional.
  • State of Punjab v. V.K. Khanna (2001) 2 SCC 330: The Supreme Court affirmed that where a statutory provision imposes specific structural and operational equipment requirements for public safety, operating without such compliance attracts both administrative sanctions and strict civil liability.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

In accidents involving imported, diplomatic, or specialized commercial vehicles with left-hand drive, immediately request the Motor Vehicle Inspector's report to verify whether the electrical turn indicators and signalling devices complied with Section 120. If the signalling devices were inoperative, file for immediate summary finding of owner negligence and oppose any policy exoneration plea by the insurer.

Section 119 All 217 Sections of Motor Vehicles Act Section 121