Section109

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

General provision regarding construction and maintenance of vehicles

Q: When did Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act come into force?

Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act, cited as MV Act 109, came into force on 01 Jul 1989, having been enacted on 14 Oct 1988. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

In force From 01 Jul 1989 Act 59 of 1988 As on 16 Oct 2026

Act 59 of 1988 Ministry Road Transport and Highways Enacted 14 Oct 1988 In force 01 Jul 1989 Instruments 22

Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 deals with general provision regarding construction and maintenance of vehicles. Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed and so maintained as to be at all times under the effective control of the person driving the vehicle. The Act came into force on 01 Jul 1989.

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed and so maintained as to be at all times under the effective control of the person driving the vehicle.
(2) Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed as to have right hand steering control unless it is equipped with a mechanical or electrical signalling device of a prescribed nature.
¹ [(3) If the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest, it may by order published in the Official Gazette, notify that any article or process used by a manufacturer shall conform to such standard as may be specified in that order.]
Section 109, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Act 59 of 1988).

Made under this section, and citing it

16 instruments state that it was made under this provision — the power to make it comes from here, so a change to any of them changes what this section requires in practice. Newest first.

Another 6 instruments name this provision in its title or its text without being made under it.

All subordinate legislation

Questions about Section 109

What does Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act deal with?

Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act is headed "General provision regarding construction and maintenance of vehicles". Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed and so maintained as to be at all times under the effective control of the person driving the vehicle.

How do I find court cases under Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: MV Act 109, section 109 MV Act, section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

What should I read with Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and has it changed?

The rules and notifications made under it are where it actually bites, and there are 16: most recently SO 359(E) 27 Jan 2022 wheel rim second extension (2022), then SO 5419(E) dated 27th December 2021 electric power train (2021), and 14 more.

When did Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act come into force?

Section 109 of the Motor Vehicles Act, cited as MV Act 109, came into force on 01 Jul 1989, having been enacted on 14 Oct 1988. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 16 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.