Maharashtra Mandates Marathi Proficiency for Commercial Vehicle Drivers

The Government of Maharashtra has implemented the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, requiring all commercial passenger vehicle drivers to possess a practical working knowledge of the Marathi language. The mandate applies to drivers and permit holders of taxis, autorickshaws, and app-based motor cabs. These changes amend existing 1989 rules under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to remove legal ambiguities that previously allowed some drivers to avoid the requirement.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the amendments aim to ensure better communication between drivers and commuters. While over 110,000 non-Marathi-speaking drivers have already completed training, the official compliance deadline is August 15. Drivers who fail to demonstrate proficiency will first receive a one-month notice, followed by a potential three-month license suspension. Repeated violations may lead to the permanent cancellation of the driving license, and proficiency is now a prerequisite for permit renewals.

Enforcement begins on August 17, when Regional Transport Office squads will start identifying and penalizing non-compliant drivers. To recognize those who have met the requirement, the government will felicitate drivers who completed the language course at the Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane on August 17.