In India, holding a valid driving license is a legal requirement for operating any vehicle. Driving without one is a serious violation of traffic laws, potentially resulting in heavy fines or imprisonment. Recently, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment concerning driving licenses that is set to benefit millions of vehicle owners across the country—especially those holding licenses for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV).
Supreme Court Upholds LMV License Validity for Transport Vehicles
Reaffirming its 2017 judgment, the Supreme Court has clarified that individuals possessing an LMV license are legally eligible to drive transport vehicles weighing up to 7,500 kilograms. This decision has far-reaching implications, especially for commercial drivers and transport workers, as it settles ongoing legal and insurance disputes.
The Constitution Bench that delivered this ruling was headed by former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, and included Justices Hrishikesh Roy, P.S. Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal, and Manoj Misra. The bench stated that drivers with LMV licenses—originally issued for private use—are also permitted to operate light commercial vehicles such as pickups, mini-trucks, and commercial vans that fall within the same weight category.
Major Setback for Insurance Companies, Relief for Drivers
This decision is a significant blow to insurance companies that previously rejected claims by citing the absence of a specific transport category license. With the Supreme Court’s clarification, insurers can no longer deny claims if the driver holds a valid LMV license and the vehicle in question falls under the 7,500 kg limit.
Until now, insurance firms frequently declined to cover accidents involving light commercial vehicles driven by LMV license holders, arguing that a separate transport license was required. This ruling puts an end to such rejections and strengthens the legal rights of drivers.
Ending Legal Ambiguity Around LMV Licenses
The Court’s decision addresses long-standing disputes between insurance companies and drivers. Insurers had argued that tribunals like the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) often overlooked their objections, ordering payouts even in disputed cases. By defining the scope of the LMV license more clearly, the Supreme Court has eliminated confusion and established definitive legal ground.
No Extra Burden on LMV License Holders
The court also pointed out that there is no substantial evidence to prove that allowing LMV license holders to drive transport vehicles has led to an increase in road accidents. Therefore, imposing additional licensing requirements or disqualifying such drivers would be unjustified. As long as the vehicle weighs less than 7,500 kilograms and is classified under the LMV category, no separate transport license is needed.
Conclusion
This Supreme Court ruling is a major victory for drivers across India, particularly those involved in commercial transport using light vehicles. It not only protects them from arbitrary insurance claim denials but also removes unnecessary regulatory hurdles. The verdict reinforces the principle that law must evolve to reflect practical realities—ensuring fairness and clarity in matters that affect the daily lives of millions.
